A growing crisis is emerging among Generation Z, with more than 4 million young Americans neither employed nor pursuing education or training. Experts point to "worthless degrees" and unfulfilled promises from higher education institutions as key factors behind this troubling trend.
One in five Gen Zers worldwide now falls into the category known as NEETs - Not in Education, Employment, or Training. In the United States alone, an estimated 4.3 million young people are disconnected from both work and education pathways. The United Kingdom faces similar challenges, with NEET numbers rising by 100,000 in just the past year.
"Universities aren't deliberately setting students up to fail, but the system is failing to deliver on its implicit promise," says Lewis Maleh, CEO of recruitment agency Bentley Lewis. He emphasizes that traditional assumptions about higher education leading to economic security are being challenged by current data.
Some experts suggest that many young people would benefit more from pursuing skilled trades rather than traditional degrees. Political commentator Peter Hitchens argues that apprenticeships in fields like plumbing or electrical work could provide "a much more abundant and satisfying life" compared to certain university programs.
The situation reflects broader economic challenges facing young adults. Soaring costs of living, from rent to basic necessities, have forced some to decline job offers due to inability to afford commuting or work attire. Meanwhile, rapid technological changes and artificial intelligence are reshaping job market requirements faster than educational institutions can adapt.
Jeff Bulanda, vice president at Jobs for the Future, calls for a systematic change in how young people are guided toward careers. "When you don't know what options exist, no one is helping you connect the dots, and the next step feels risky or out of reach—it's no surprise that so many young people pause," he notes.
Industry experts recommend several solutions:
- Expanding apprenticeship and internship opportunities
- Strengthening connections between industries and education systems
- Providing more personalized career guidance
- Better communicating the real-world value of different educational paths
- Offering increased mental health support and resilience development
While certain fields like healthcare continue to offer clear career trajectories, many graduates find themselves underemployed with degrees that provide less obvious professional pathways. The challenge now lies in rebuilding bridges between education and meaningful employment opportunities for Generation Z.