Employer Resources
Data & Research
COVID hit young workers hard. Young workers experienced the highest levels of unemployment, but like all workers have seen significant recovery.
Disproportionately clustered in lower paying jobs. Young workers are disproportionately represented in highly cyclical sectors with lower pay.
Opportunity for better paths. We are in a unique moment for young workers to leverage demand and higher wages to impact long-term prosperity.
Characteristics & Challenges
Opportunity Youth (OY) are more likely to experience poverty and housing insecurity, have a disability, have experienced out of home care (such as foster care), and to have been involved in the justice system.
Rates of OY vary by race/ethnicity and gender. American Indians, Blacks, and Latinos are all disproportionately represented among the OY population.
Although young men are generally more likely to be OY, rates are higher for women of color compared to men of color.
Recommendations
Our State, Our Work researchers say that young adults in North Carolina are saying that:
Seek employers who value flexibility, growth, and inclusiveness.
Are motivated equally by pay and workplace culture.
Want their work to make a meaningful impact.
Desire a path for growth and to feel like more than just a number to an employer.
How employers can support young adults:
Partner with the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) program at Wayne Community College to provide internships to young adults seeking to improve their skills and education.
Provide entry-level workers with professional growth plans and make expectations clear.
Build an internal workplace culture that positively impacts employees at all levels.
