As entry-level jobs dry up in NZ, how can we help young people find their way into work?
As entry-level jobs dry up in NZ, how can we help young people find their way into work?
Publish Date: 2026-04-19 15:35:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
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Unemployment Among Young Workers: The unemployment rate for New Zealand’s 15- to 24-year-olds stands at around 15%, substantially higher relative to recent years and triple that of the broader working-age population.
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Declining Entry-Level Roles: Many junior office and administrative jobs, traditionally pathways for young people to enter the workforce, are decreasing.
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Impact of AI on Entry-Level Jobs: AI is automating many routine tasks previously performed by entry-level workers, leading to redesigns of roles that require complex, less structured environments from day one. Nearly half of New Zealand employers surveyed believe AI has led to reduced entry-level hiring.
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Educational Overload and Skills Gap Debate: Though more young people are completing higher education, this doesn’t necessarily help them enter the workforce due to increased competition; also, qualifications alone have become less significant compared to practical skills and real-world experience.
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Challenges in On-the-Job Learning: Employers highlight a challenge with fewer opportunities for on-the-job learning and low awareness of AI-related roles among young workers.
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Need for Alternative Learning Pathways: To build necessary practical skills and adaptability, there is a push to expand work-integrated learning and entrepreneurship education in universities.
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Holistic Labour Market Reform: The broader issue is whether sufficient pathways remain open for new talent entry and on-the-job learning, necessitating broader reforms in the labor market.
