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In the context of this article, career readiness refers to the process of preparing students to transition from student to worker by equipping them with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the workforce. In a post-pandemic world and in the current context of high youth unemployment, this listicle looks at youth career readiness in four categories: what career readiness is and how it relates to youth, the impact of COVID-19 on youth career readiness, young people and today’s job market, and how to help youth and students with career readiness.
What is career readiness and how does it relate to youth?
What Is Career Readiness? (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
The National Association of Colleges and Employers lays out eight career readiness competencies and provides downloadable materials to support college career services professionals, early talent recruiters and university relations professionals. The eight competencies are career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork and technology
What Is Career Readiness & Why Is It Important for Students? (CDI College)
Career readiness is the process of preparing students in the transition from an academic environment to the workforce. Career readiness is important for several reasons including easing the transition from academics to work, increasing employability and increasing confidence.
Youth Development and Career Readiness (LinkedIn)
Youth development and career readiness require a multifaceted approach, according to this article by Duja Consulting. Preparing young people to navigate the workforce needs to go beyond academics through a holistic approach which incorporates mentorship, career exploration, and skills training.
Youth Participatory Action Research Project (YPAR) [Courses]
Funded by the Canadian government through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Youth Participatory Action Research Project (YPAR) is led by Lakehead University in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning. The project offers 12 free online micro-credentials, including Career Readiness for Youth.
Impact of COVID-19 on youth career readiness
1 in 6 Companies Are Hesitant To Hire Recent College Graduates (Intelligent)
Intelligent, a U.S.-based platform, conducted a survey in 2024 of 966 business leaders involved in hiring Gen Z college graduates. Among the key findings: 75% of companies report that some or all of the recent college graduates they hired were unsatisfactory. Those surveyed cited stronger work ethic, a better attitude, showing initiative, being open to feedback, and being punctual and reliable as contributors to stronger employability.
The pandemic is still disrupting young people’s careers (The Conversation)
The pandemic and lockdowns disrupted both education and employment for young people who faced high job losses, reduced hours and barriers to stable employment. Disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, these disruptions deepened financial instability and mental health struggles, and delayed adult milestones such as independence. Addressing these challenges requires systemic reforms in the youth labour market, including actively involving young people in shaping their futures to help them recover and thrive post-pandemic.
Young adults disproportionately affected by COVID-19 (Future Skills Centre)
The Survey on Employment and Skills found that about 42% of working adult Canadians missed at least one day of work in the 12 months leading up to November 2023 because they were sick or they were caring for someone sick with COVID-19. The survey also found that this disruption affected a majority of adults under the age of 35 but only a small proportion of those age 55 or over. The report suggests the pandemic has had and continues to have a negative effect on younger Canadians’ earnings and career advancement.
Young people and today’s job market
Addressing the Gen Z skills gap (FDM)
Gen Z is experiencing a significant skills gap in both technological and soft skills. As some Gen Z graduated school and directly entered the workforce through a remote setting, they may face unique challenges in this respect – such as a lack of informal learning via spontaneous in-person interactions. To address these issues, businesses are encouraged to implement targeted upskilling programs, apprenticeships, job shadowing, mentorship and inclusive management practices.
Empowering the Next Generation (Number Analytics)
This article looks at approaches to career readiness and focuses on skill development, mentorship and practical experience for young people. It also offers strategies on implementing and evaluating career readiness initiatives.
Work quality experience and engagement among young workers (Future Skills Centre)
This Future Skills Centre research surveyed young workers between 16 and 29 and looked at five questions including what distinguishes good work from bad work and what skills and resources would assist young workers to improve the quality of their work environments. The report says employers should recognize how poor pay and mistreatment by supervisors drive high turnover and lower productivity, and encourages policymakers to focus on improving workplace quality to better retain young talent.
How to help youth and students with career readiness
College and career readiness activities for your students (Paper)
Paper, a tutoring service in Canada and the United States, compiled career readiness activities for students from elementary to high school to discover their passions, where those passions might lead them and what they need to do to get there. For example, career exploration helps learners discover what kinds of opportunities they might be most interested in and awhat steps they need to take to secure a job in their chosen field. Empowering Ontario’s Youth – A Pathway for Everyone (FirstWork)
Future Ready Youth is a program designed to bridge the gap between education and career readiness for all youth in Ontario and is designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the workforce. The key features of the program are: culturally relevant and inclusive learning, scenario-based learning, workshops and collaboration, and a tailored curriculum.
The Complete Guide to Career Exploration for Teens and Their Teachers (ChatterHigh)
Teachers can help their students in the transition from student to employee through career exploration. This guide from ChatterHigh helps teachers navigate career exploration and looks at how career exploration aligns with the curriculum of every province and territory.
We need to start early: Fostering a career mindset in young people (CERIC)
From CERIC, this article looks at the role education plays in preparing young people for their working lives by helping them develop a positive career mindset from an early age. To do this, teachers should link lesson content with potential career paths. Schools should adopt a whole-school, integrated approach to career education by incorporating entrepreneurship, soft skills, mentoring and regular career reflection.
