In the current unprecedented labor shortage, it is more common to see a “Now Hiring” sign at a business than to not see one. Of course, this problem stems from several different situations: the coronavirus, paid unemployment, employee loss rates, and high costs of living. All of these problems have created another, and now apparently no one wants to go back to work.

Despite these issues, however, there are still stories of students struggling to find an entry-level job because they have no experience yet or can’t work full time.

Students entering the workforce are a blank slate. They have the potential to be able to work in any industry because they are ready to take on new roles. Students already have a learning mindset, so they learn new skills faster than adults. Most of all, with labor increasingly becoming a commodity, students are waiting; ready to go.

On the other hand, teenagers are really busy. Not even mentioning extracurriculars, students can have hours of homework to take home every day of the week. Without time management, student workers can be unreliable and immature. However, with communication, they can be trained to do great things. Working with a student’s schedule is not easy, but it can be done. As long as there is a line of communication where students can regularly report availability, ask questions, and continue to learn, they have the ability to excel anywhere an employer puts them.

When there is demand and no normal supply, businesses must look in an unusual place; students. Students have the potential to learn whatever they need to learn–all they need is the chance to show it. If the labor shortage is so horrible, businesses must work with students so everyone can get what they need. Businesses can get workers, and students can get money; businesses just have to be willing to work with students, and vice versa.