They are the new generation of job seekers..
They filled the Abilene Civic Center today, anxiously waiting to get their foot in the door.
Just outside, a city where 5100 people are unable to find jobs.
Representing a spike in unemployment, and a job market with little consistency.
"It puts pressure on everybody," Says 18-year-old Garrett Hamner
Take 16-year-old Hunter Peel, whose parent was laid off six month ago. She's now chosen to graduate high school early, and help support her family.
"A lot of things happened, and you know, you kind of have to rely on that one employment. You have to think, are you going to have something, are you not going to have something. So it's been hard," Says Peel.
Her search hasn't been easy
"It's actually been hard for me to find a job, because I'm young and all of the things they look for these days...It's real hard," Said Peel.
These days it takes more work to find work.
And what this generation believes to be the most important tools in finding a job, may be different than it once was.
When it comes to a higher education, many say that's still at the top of the list.
"College is probably the most important thing," Said High School Junior Trina Outlaw.
"If you have someone that has a college education compared to someone who doesn't, you're obviously going to want the person with the college degree," Hamner agreed.
However, not everyone agrees.
"We need more entrepreneurs, a college degree is a piece of paper and i believe that you can't necessarily judge one person based on a college degree. If you really want a job you can go out and get one," Said 20-year-old Brandon.
They filled the Abilene Civic Center today, anxiously waiting to get their foot in the door.
Just outside, a city where 5100 people are unable to find jobs.
Representing a spike in unemployment, and a job market with little consistency.
"It puts pressure on everybody," Says 18-year-old Garrett Hamner
Take 16-year-old Hunter Peel, whose parent was laid off six month ago. She's now chosen to graduate high school early, and help support her family.
"A lot of things happened, and you know, you kind of have to rely on that one employment. You have to think, are you going to have something, are you not going to have something. So it's been hard," Says Peel.
Her search hasn't been easy
"It's actually been hard for me to find a job, because I'm young and all of the things they look for these days...It's real hard," Said Peel.
These days it takes more work to find work.
And what this generation believes to be the most important tools in finding a job, may be different than it once was.
When it comes to a higher education, many say that's still at the top of the list.
"College is probably the most important thing," Said High School Junior Trina Outlaw.
"If you have someone that has a college education compared to someone who doesn't, you're obviously going to want the person with the college degree," Hamner agreed.
However, not everyone agrees.
"We need more entrepreneurs, a college degree is a piece of paper and i believe that you can't necessarily judge one person based on a college degree. If you really want a job you can go out and get one," Said 20-year-old Brandon.
