Whatever the cause of the “Gen Z hiring nightmare,” this is not just a short-term challenge. It’s a long-term risk to our economy and our communities. When millions of young people can’t get a foothold in the workforce, we squander both their potential and our nation’s future prosperity. So rather than looking past young workers — or worse, viewing them as problems to fix — it’s more important than ever that employers focus on hiring, mentoring and investing in them. That’s one of the most powerful things businesses can do both for their companies and for our country.
The science is clear: between ages 14 and 24, the brain is still under construction. Young people are wired to learn by doing. They crave mentorship, clear expectations and opportunities to take on responsibility. Thrive explores how financial stability and early work experiences provide more than paychecks — they build identity, agency and purpose. When employers invest in young workers, they’re not just filling today’s openings; they’re shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
So what works? Research and practice point to five key strategies employers can adopt right now:
We’ve seen these practices work. Through the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship, for example, more than 2,400 high school students have connected with nearly 450 employers nationwide, landing full-time jobs with average salaries near $54,000. In many cases, this is a life-changing opportunity for these young people — and game-changing for employers struggling to fill talent pipelines.
The problem isn’t that Gen Z lacks work ethic or ambition. Quite the opposite. They are resilient, pragmatic and eager to contribute. They came of age through a pandemic, social unrest and economic uncertainty, and they are ready to put their creativity and grit to work. But too often, opportunity is the missing ingredient — and negative narratives about their generation make it even harder for them to get a fair shot. As employers, educators and policymakers, it’s on us to change both the systems and the story.
America’s competitive edge depends on whether we seize this moment. If we continue to overlook young workers, we risk not only leaving millions behind but also weakening the very foundation of our future economy. But if we recognize their potential, invest in their growth and create workplaces where they can thrive, we won’t just solve today’s hiring challenges. We’ll build a stronger, more resilient nation for decades to come.
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