Younger Worker Difficulties – Young
The problem faced with a growing population and the recession is the employment of the younger generation into jobs requiring a skill set that is beyond those developed in theory. Education and the youth that has been trained under the mindset that 'employers will train you to fit their needs' for higher degrees, such as engineering, falls short of that once realized expectation. The market forces, the laid off older generation, the retirees, the minimization of higher jobs, college/university graduates, high school graduates, reduced military forces, and the abundance of misplaced talent has created a mismatch of skills and positions that are up for grab. It is in this situation that the preference goes for what is most affordable, and everyone left behind is stuck in limbo.
As far as engineering students, the typical job opening requires 3 - 5 years of experience in at least one desired skill, with preferences for people requiring many other trained skill sets not achieved in a normal level of education. The likelihood of a new graduate getting into that kind of job is nearly impossible, as the experience and downsized older workers are able to fit into the space at a level of pay that classifies them as part of the 'under-employment' group. The graduates then must look for internship or higher education since their college degree has become the new high school diploma.
If the scenario from before continues into the higher education, that student must find some other means to provide for themselves and cover their student loans. Continuing education would make them more desirable to some, but may not contribute to what companies are looking for, or human resources would consider them over qualified for lower positions. This dilemma pushes into many other degree types, and impacts those trying to find any level of employment, even the under paid level.
Older generations, contrary to the younger generations, have valuable skill sets and an array of references that increase their chances. They have connections and can arrange a position with their contacts and associates. The effect of recycling talent is achieved and virtually cuts off any potential lesser skilled employees. While the pay is often not their desired level, companies can increase their productivity and skilled work force without putting any money into the time and training of the younger generation. Aside from the engineering perspective, this occurs through a large number of professions that can't meet the numbers of potential talent looking to enter the work force.
A large number of jobs offered aside from the recycled positions are linked to the fast food industry, distribution networks, and retail positions. Formerly targeted at high school graduates and college workers, the misplaced young workforce may have to take two or more of these positions to repay their education loans and fees. This hampers those workers, as well as the next level below, that now compete for similar positions. The advantage of the ones out of high school is they are not in substantial debt unless they managed to get into credit troubles from excessive spending habits, which isn't uncommon.
The fact that younger workers are underpaid, have large debts, no solid home structure, and an uncertain future weighs heavily in favor of a clear disadvantage. Older workers may be underpaid, but are likely to already have established themselves in life, and are just supporting monthly bills and expenses. Retirees can even come back to the work force and have their skills place them right away, while a college graduate sends out thousands of resumes without being called into any interviews. The advantage and purpose of higher education is almost lost unless the individual has the right connections or is exceptional at what they do, while everyone else has to adjust as the available jobs are pushed around.
