Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging youth to sign up for available jobs, basically hanging out a “help wanted” sign for the state’s NY Youth Works and Summer Youth Programs.

With few other employment options available, you’d think there would be a long waiting list of low-income young people looking for full-time jobs.  But based on the governor’s release, maybe that’s not the case.

Summer Youth slots will likely fill up quickly, since the participation process is relatively simple, placements are often in the public sector and risk is minimal for a 2-3 month hire.

But NY Youth Works, operating in targeted inner cities, depends on business tax credits as the avenue to stimulate the hiring of poor, unskilled youth in year-round jobs.  This is not always the best strategy, as noted here when the legislation passed at the end of last year.  The governor’s press release indicates that while 10,000 full- and part-time jobs have been offered through the program, 4,000 slots remain open.

Here’s hoping the slots fill up rapidly, because young people need the labor market experience, the social skills that come with a job — and the money.