Navigating the New Employment Landscape: A Guide for Parents Supporting Young Adults

The employment landscape for young adults in New Zealand has changed dramatically in recent years. Entering the workforce is no longer as straightforward as it once was. With more competition, fewer entry-level roles, and rapidly shifting employer expectations, today’s young people are facing unique and often overwhelming challenges. As a parent, understanding these changes is the first step in helping your child make confident and informed decisions about their future.

The Evolving Job Market Recent data paints a stark picture for youth employment in Aotearoa:

• Youth Unemployment Is Rising: As of December 2024, the unemployment rate for 15–19-year-olds hit 23%, the highest in over a decade.

• More Young Adults Disengaged: The NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education or Training) climbed to 16.4%, showing a growing number of young people stuck at a crossroads.

• Fierce Competition in Urban Centres: Entry-level roles in cities like Auckland and Wellington are now receiving hundreds, sometimes over 1,000 applications within days of being posted.

With employers demanding experience before offering it, many young adults are unsure how to get a foot in the door.

Three Ways Parents Can Help Their Young Adults Get Started

1. Talk About Their Future: Even If It’s Unclear Create space for regular, open conversations. Ask questions about what lights them up, what they’re curious about, or what kind of life they want to build, not just what job they want.

2. Suggest Support from a Career Coach Working with a registered career practitioner can provide personalised direction, job search strategies, CV support, and confidence-building tools that make a real difference. Sometimes, hearing it from someone who’s not Mum or Dad can help the message land.

3. Encourage Small Steps and Real-World Experience Volunteering, short courses, part-time roles, or informational interviews can all help young people build clarity and momentum. The first step doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be forward.

Your Support Matters, But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: The job market has shifted, and it’s normal for parents to feel unsure about how to guide their kids through it. That’s where I come in. As a CDANZ-registered career practitioner, I specialise in supporting young adults to discover their path and take confident steps into the workforce. Whether your child is stuck, unsure, or just needs a boost, let’s talk. Email Jess@empowervs.co.nz to connect with a career coach today and take the first step towards your child’s future success.