Report: Few High School Grads ‘Workforce-Ready’

According to a New Hire Readiness Report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the College Board, most graduating high school students are not ready to enter the workforce.

Based on a recent survey of hiring managers, the report finds that employers are looking for more than foundational academic credentials in candidates.

They’re eager to find talent that can think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly—and because high school students make up a large percentage of entry-level employees, hiring managers say the right talent is hard to find.

The nature of work is rapidly evolving in response to AI, economic demands are shifting, and new industries are emerging.

To better understand how these dynamics affect workforce preparedness, the College Board and U.S. Chamber surveyed 500 hiring managers and conducted in-depth interviews with nearly a dozen human resource professionals across a range of small, mid-sized, and large companies.

Key Findings

The report sheds light on both current hiring perceptions and opportunities to better prepare entry-level employees:

• High school graduates are viewed as less ready for work
• Grads are less prepared for the workforce than previous generations
• Trade schools and college help with early career skills
• Credentials and “soft skills” are key
• Experience is most valued
• Business education in high school is needed

Ninety-six percent of hiring managers believe that financial literacy skills are vital for employees who are just starting their careers.

The most valuable knowledge areas for entry-level employees are taxes, net income, and budgeting; saving and investing; and borrowing, credit, and debt.

“The earlier they learn to save and be responsible for the money they make, the more ready and stress-free they are to stay motivated at work,” said one HR manager.

Hiring managers also highly valued hard-to-quantify “soft skills” such as critical thinking and communication.

“I actually hate the term soft skills. I feel like they’re critical skills,” a hiring manager said.

Industry Credentials, Experience

Hiring managers consider graduates with industry-recognized credentials—especially in a relevant field—better prepared than those without.

Among high school graduates, 71% are seen as workforce-ready with such credentials, compared to 40% without them.

Employers also put a high premium on real-world experience—whether gained through internships, career and technical education, or on-the-job experience.

Employers also put a high premium on real-world experience.

The report showcases the critical need for programs such as CBIA affiliate ReadyCT’s G.R.I.T. (Get Ready! Immersive Traineeship).

Now in its fourth year, the five-week paid internship program provides students opportunities to work on real-world projects for employers.

Employers that have participated in the program include Hartford HealthCare, Connecticut Children’s, EY, Travelers, and The Hartford.