Many businesses, of all sizes, offer internships to high school students. In fact, according to a survey by American Student Assistance (ASA), 38% of businesses in the U.S. currently have this type of offer.
In all fairness, it is not an easy process, but the benefits far outweigh the logistical challenges. Furthermore, AP students are highly motivated and are already operating at an advanced academic level, which translates well to a professional environment.
If you’re still worried about how well they’ll handle the real work environment, legal challenges, or work-school balance, keep reading. We’ll discuss each of these aspects in today’s piece.
Why You Should Recruit AP Students
By targeting AP students, specifically, businesses gain a few advantages that are quite unique in the field.
Here’s what we mean:
Access to Emerging Talent
First of all, young future workers bring a fresh perspective to your team and can be taught new skills without the preconceived notions of a more experienced worker.
Recruiting AP students, you get an early look at highly motivated, pre-screened talent. These students have proven their academic capabilities and work ethic, which are strong indicators of future success.
Cost-Effective Support
Interns can take on entry-level tasks, freeing up your full-time employees to focus on more complex projects. Since they’re paid an hourly wage, they’re a more budget-friendly option than hiring another full-time employee.
More Tech-Savvy
AP students are often more familiar with the latest technology, social media trends, and communication styles. Recruiting AP students can offer unique insights that can help your business connect with a younger demographic.
Good Time Planning Skills
Many advanced placement students are used to juggling a demanding course load with extracurriculars like sports, clubs, and volunteer work. So they’ll have no issue integrating a new task into their schedule.
Plus, nowadays, there are tools and platforms so they can study or do schoolwork from anywhere. For instance, an AP hub for students provides them with access to the latest resources and keeps them informed about any assignment-related changes or updates.
Legal and Practical Considerations
From a legal standpoint, you must ensure compliance with labor laws that define the framework for recruiting high school students for internships. This is important to avoid any steep fines, but also to create a positive experience for both the student and the company.
Here are some of the laws your HR team should keep in mind:
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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
The primary federal law governing internships. To avoid legal issues, the internship should be designed to benefit the intern’s education and training, not to replace the work of a regular employee.
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Child Labor Laws:
Be aware of federal and state child labor laws, which dictate the types of jobs and the number of hours minors can work. For example, there are specific rules governing work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, including those on school days and weekends. Students who are 16 or older generally have fewer restrictions.
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Work Permits:
Many states require a work permit for minors. You’ll need to work with the student and their school to ensure they have the necessary documentation before they begin.
In Summary
Interns, like high schoolers and AP students, can bring a breath of fresh air into any business’s team. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to pave the way to your company once they graduate and are seeking full-time employment. Overall, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
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