Changing expectations and perceptions are key to youth unemployment

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A 2019 matriculant has been educated from Grade 1 with a curriculum designed for an office employee - a blue- or white-collar worker. On top of this, digital access means that the information they are consuming reinforces a first-world expectation, that a school leaver deserves, and is capable, of a decent job instantly. “Social media has shown them extreme wealth and celebritism from all over the world, which they believe can be their reality,” says Willis. “And then, our country’s unique historical narrative leaves many with a sense of privilege of being born into a democracy that automatically affords them a certain career path.”

Lulaway has facilitated job placements for over 40,000 youth in the past eight years, and Willis says that having interacted with dozens of employers on a regular basis, it has been proven that the problem arises when expectations and reality do not align. The truth is that there are a limited number of entry-level office jobs available, and as a result only the brightest or most connected youth will get these jobs, leaving the rest of the matriculants with only their high expectations and no real job opportunities which are relevant to them.

While there are more job openings in more manual types of work, it is often in sectors or types of work which matriculants/graduates do not want to work in.

“Our economy needs manual, and often labour intensive jobs, such as security, cleaning and warehousing. Unfortunately, having been prepared for a higher level, they deem these jobs unfit for their aspirations, and when given the choice, often choose unemployment, or leave the job within the first three months when reality hits,” explains Willis.

Change perceptions about practical labour

With this context, Willis says that by legitimising leaving school at Grade 9, youth may stand a better chance of succeeding without the burden of unrealistic expectations.

Willis warns that although lowering expectations will go a long way in solving youth unemployment, the plan needs to be accompanied by more viable and recognised path when leaving high school. The first step would be for employers to stop demanding matriculants for basic jobs, as this contributes to the high drop-off rate and poor job satisfaction of matriculants working in jobs they don’t feel suited to.

“Some youth may be better directed into a technical and vocational field and some may do well starting in the manual arena, and then working their way upwards over time. The option to complete a high school equivalency certificate should always be there – should they display the aptitude and interest in such a qualification.”

Willis concludes, “We need to change the perception of practical labour. Youth who start out in these jobs should not see it as their forever life choice, but instead as a steppingstone to future career prospects. Additionally, for this plan to work, it would need a formal pathway to vocational training for school leavers, instead of them leaving school and just hoping for the best.”