A SPECIAL REPORT: SUMMER JOBS

LEAN TIMES: The recession and government shortages are hurting teen-agers in search of summer employment. Such basic programs as the L.A. City Summer Youth Employment Program and First Break, administered by the Los Angeles Unified School District, are still awaiting federal funds to boost employment. . . . The good news: Experts say teens can get work if they 1) try hard; 2) take the first legitimate job offered regardless of pay; or 3) begin a glamorous but short career in the fast-food business.

Teens at Work

Fewer 16 to 19-year-olds in Los Angeles have been able to get work than in the U.S. These Figures show the ratio of teen jobs to the population. 1990 United States: 45.4 Los Angeles City: 33.2

1991 United States: 42.1 Los Angeles City: 29.5

1992 United States: 41.0 Los Angeles City: 31.3

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

SLOWDOWN: A year ago, more than 3,000 students found jobs through the school district’s work experience coordination program, which is at 41 junior high and high schools. . . . Over the same period this school year, there were only 1,200 placements.

WANT TO WORK? There are some jobs. Universal Studios says it will have about 1,200 summer workers. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Magic Mountain says it offers about 1,700 jobs, which pay $4.25 to $6.25 an hour. And United Parcel Service managers say they are always looking for part-time loaders and unloaders at warehouses in Sylmar and Van Nuys. Pay starts at about $8 an hour, and you have to be 17 1/2 years old.

CHURCHES: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ summer youth employment and training program will employ about 1,700 low-income teen-agers this summer, up from 1,500 a year ago, said Director Bob Gutierrez. . . . Teen-agers work a wide variety of jobs, from landscaping and clerical work to positions as junior counselors in day camps at Valley Catholic schools. Pay: $4.25 per hour.

FAST FOOD: These restaurants traditionally have been starting places for teen-agers in search of temporary jobs. . . . The Valley’s 30 or so McDonald’s outlets always accept applications, a spokeswoman says. In the more affluent West Valley, openings are common because many local youths refuse these jobs.