Gen-Z employees face a challenging reputation among employers for being aloof, untrained, averse to taking orders, and often disengaged, while Generation Alpha, the youngest cohort entering work, is widely deemed even less prepared for workforce demands. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board's 2025 New Hire Readiness Report, 84% of hiring managers believe most high school students—including many Gen Alpha members—are unprepared for entry-level jobs, with 80% saying recent graduates are less ready than previous generations. This has contributed to many Gen-Z hires being fired early due to their inability to meet workplace expectations.
Compounding the issue, many younger students are skipping college, influenced by Gen Z’s experience where degrees hold diminishing value in securing jobs. Yet, hiring managers still regard college or trade school graduates as significantly better prepared than those entering directly from high school. The report urges educators to introduce more business-related courses at the high school level, focusing on critical thinking, problem solving, communication, decision-making, teamwork, and especially financial literacy to better prepare youth for work.
Employers recommend that high school students actively seek internships, apprenticeships, trade schools, and other practical experiences to gain foundational workplace skills. Addressing this readiness gap is crucial because high school graduates constitute a large share of entry-level employees, and an unprepared workforce could increase costs for employers and negatively impact overall economic and social stability.
Summary of Key Points
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Gen Z has a reputation for poor workplace readiness, including communication and social skills deficits, with many employers hesitant to hire or retain them only briefly.
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Generation Alpha, currently high school-aged, is viewed as even less prepared, raising concerns as they seek entry-level jobs without higher education.
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84% of hiring managers say high school graduates lack workforce preparedness; 80% say they’re less prepared than past generations.
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College and trade school graduates are seen as far better prepared than those entering directly from high school, even though many youths are skipping college.
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Critical thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork, and financial literacy are essential skills employers want taught in high school.
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Internships, apprenticeships, and trade schools are recommended pathways for young people to gain relevant experience.
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Preparing this entry-level workforce is imperative to reduce employer training costs and prevent negative ripple effects on the economy and society.
This assessment highlights the critical need for improvements in youth education and skill-building initiatives to enhance workforce readiness and better align young workers’ capabilities with employer expectations.