Gen Z left behind in shifting job market The NEET crisis

Over 4 million Gen Zers in the U.S. and 100,000 young people in the U.K. have fallen into the "NEET" category—Not in Education, Employment, or Training—highlighting a troubling trend. However, this isn't due to laziness.

Experts point to the failure of education systems and the disconnect between degree programs and real-world opportunities, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

A significant number of Gen Zers are struggling to enter the job market, especially as white-collar jobs become harder to access. In the U.S., it's estimated that more than 4.3 million young people are not in school or work. Meanwhile, the NEET population in the U.K. has grown by over 100,000 in just one year. Some blame the education system for pushing young people into degrees with little value in the workforce. British political commentator Peter Hitchens has criticized universities for offering "worthless degrees," suggesting young people would fare better by apprenticing in trades like plumbing or electrical work, which promise a more stable future.

Experts like Jeff Bulanda, Vice President at Jobs for the Future, stress that the lack of career readiness and the failure to connect young people with the right educational and workplace opportunities is a critical issue. While fields like healthcare promise strong job growth, many graduates with less marketable degrees find themselves underemployed and burdened with student loans.

Bulanda argues that too much focus has been placed on four-year degrees as the sole pathway to success, even as the return on investment for these degrees becomes increasingly uncertain. He advocates for a broader conversation around skilled trades and alternative pathways that might provide more immediate and tangible benefits. Additionally, universities need to improve their communication with students regarding career placement and provide better support for non-academic challenges, such as mental health and resilience.

Rising costs—like rent, groceries, and textbooks—are also making it difficult for Gen Z to even consider taking jobs, with some turning down offers because they can't afford basic work expenses. Moreover, the rapid evolution of the job market, fueled by artificial intelligence, has made Gen Z even more hesitant to enter the workforce.

The United Nations warns that skills gaps are still widespread, and motivating young people to return to school or work will require more accessible opportunities like apprenticeships and internships. Above all, more personalized career guidance is essential. As Bulanda puts it, "The question isn’t why they disconnect; it’s why we haven’t done a better job of recognizing that the old ways aren’t working anymore."

By Vugar Khalilov