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This blog is part four of our look at the “American Opportunity Survey”. In this post, we cover the reasons why the “skills gap” is detrimental to young individuals entering the workforce and discusses what can be done in response by today’s youth. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading.
The Changing Workforce
The world is always changing. So, too, is the employment outlook for recent graduates and younger individuals. The number of working-aged people is declining as the nation’s elderly population ages out of the workforce. Technology continues to shift and change, too. These elements create pressure on hiring trends and have an effect not only on unemployment rates but also on job mobility for those who may be already employed but are looking for something else. In a labor market that is so in flux, closing the opportunity gap through upskilling and reskilling will help give new workers the chance to shape industries like healthcare, technology, climate infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, writ large.
Upskilling and Reskilling
So, how can young job seekers stand out in this sea of uncertainty and challenges? One piece of advice would be to seek ways to increase and diversify your skillset and find alternative methods of doing so. This means upskilling through personal reading and research, listening to podcasts, choosing an internship, watching video tutorials, enrolling in an online class, joining workforce programs, attending trade school or starting on a pre-apprenticeship. This kind of flexible and personally tailored education is a prime example of education options aside from the 2- or 4-year university route.
Attending workshops and training can help you beef up the skills portion of your résumé and give you confidence in the workplace. Utilizing non-traditional means of education can also potentially save money and time. Always be sure to check the accreditation and reputation of any provider you end up connecting with.
The Importance of Support
Once you feel prepared, you can start applying for work that fits your interests and abilities. Make sure to set goals and focus on jobs you really want. Don’t eschew mentors or networking opportunities. Knowing more people increases your employment reach. This is good, as contacts within companies and organizations can be very helpful during the hiring process.
All of this can be overwhelming, so which is why it is important to have 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 country who staff the Goodwill® career centers.
Goodwill personnel can help you craft your résumé, find employment and provide essential resources and tailored support. This aid can help people overcome barriers to better their outlook and job prospects. What’s more, our career navigators are committed to 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, we are here for you.
