By Sam Ast
The consulting firm McKinsey, in conjunction with Goodwill Industries International, concluded research, analysis and polling in August 2024, which culminated in the American Opportunity Survey. This work focused mainly on economic opportunity for today’s youth (aged 18-24). The findings are important for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that they include insights into the effects of unemployment, barriers to career advancement, current industry needs and the benefits of continuing education and training.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals reach their potential and overcome challenges to employment, Goodwill® understands the importance of using this data to not only understand the plight of those who are struggling, but address the challenges people need to overcome to increase their skills, find jobs, advance their careers and build better lives. Over the course of five articles, the career and job advice blog will present some of these revelations to expand or highlight the report’s findings.
Youth Unemployment in 2025
This post will cover the status of youth unemployment in 2025. Included is information pertaining to the results of youth unemployment and the effect of said joblessness on society. We will also take a look at some of the prevailing opinions held by this population regarding the future. If you are interested in learning more about the unique characteristics of this group and the challenges relating to this topic, please continue reading.
Given that the unemployment level for today’s youth remains roughly 2x-7x higher than other age groups at the time data was gathered, it is not hard to conclude why there is a shared negative attitude toward the future among this demographic. This pessimism is pervasive, ranging from one’s feelings about their job security, personal finances, debt, chances of home ownership, overall career prospects and education.
There are a number of explanations for why things are this way. Environmental and sociological factors ranging from high housing costs, homelessness, costs of healthcare, mental health struggles, drug use, poverty, increasing use of social media and the introduction of new technologies undoubtedly have an effect on America’s youth.
Taking all of this into consideration, let’s try and understand by working somewhat chronologically, from education to career. Many individuals are told early in life that the key to success is education. “Do well in school and the rest will follow.” Many employers will not even consider applicants without an advanced degree, let alone those with only a high school education or GED. This means the bar to employment has already been raised over time.
Pathways to Youth Employment
To make matters worse, even those with university diplomas are also finding difficulty in securing gainful employment. Past predictors of success (like higher education) may no longer hold true.
This has led some to reevaluate the purpose and value of higher education and look to alternatives that offer more specialized training to learn new skillsets. Vocational opportunities remain a low-barrier way to access lucrative industries and professions. Salaries for electricians or HVAC technicians remain high.
So, what is the solution for the 70% percent of youth who don’t believe they will ever own a home or the 30% that think retirement is a distant mirage?
Despite these hurdles, young people are highly motivated to pursue a range of educational pathways to enhance their job prospects. It is crucial to offer flexible, accessible training programs and comprehensive support systems for young people seeking employment or career advancement.
Alternative paths toward work training should be easily accessible and nurtured. Enrollments in trade school, adult education, online classes and workshops for upskilling are all legitimate interpretations of what it means to be prepared for jobs in the coming times and should be fully supported.
The biggest barrier to youth employment, according to the survey, is a lack of relevant experience. Therefore, itisimportanttohavesupport to ensure pathways to new, better-paying positions are available and accessible.
Need Career Support?
If you would like additional guidance during your job search or have questions about how to advance your career, look no further than the professionals across the U.S and Canada who staff Goodwill’s many mission support and career centers.
Goodwill personnel can help you craft your résumé in person, find employment and provide essential resources and tailored support. This aid can help people overcome barriers and better their outlook and outcomes. What’s more, our career navigators are committed to making dreams come true by offering career guidance, skills certification, application help, continuing education assistance, interview preparation and financial aid that can help enable you throughout your journey to find work.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. If you need assistance or counseling regarding any of your employment needs or questions, reach out to your local Goodwill career center.
