As a recent university graduate holding a BBA degree, I am painfully aware of how challenging it is to find an entry-level position that doesn't require 3-5 years of full-time experience. Like many of my peers in Gen Z, I am eager to launch my career, pay down bills, and start tackling student loan debt. However, these unrealistic expectations set by businesses make it nearly impossible to break into the workforce.

At a time when young adults are more educated than ever, with the percentage of people aged 25 to 29 who have a bachelor's degree or higher rising from 29% in 2000 to 36% in 2019 (US Census Bureau), it's disheartening to confront strict barriers to entry-level positions. These restrictions amount to low standards set by businesses and undermine the significance of a university education.

It's not just a personal issue, but a widespread problem affecting the economy at large. StatsCan data (Labour Force Survey, March 2024) showed that youth were employed at the lowest level since February 2012, barring the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been almost no employment growth among youth between the ages of 15 and 24 since December 2022.

This issue requires immediate attention. Therefore, we ask for the regulation of all entry-level jobs. Such a policy would ensure fair opportunities for young adults entering the workforce, upholding the value of a university degree and supporting economic growth.

Here are some potential regulations and strategies that governments and policymakers could consider to tackle this problem:

1) Define Clear Entry-Level Job Standards

Legal Definition of Entry-Level: Establish a legal definition for what constitutes an entry-level job, including restrictions on requiring extensive years of experience.
Experience Caps: Limit the number of years of experience that can be required for jobs labeled as entry-level to a reasonable amount (e.g., no more than 1 year of experience).

2) Encourage and Incentivize Internships and Apprenticeships

Mandatory Internships: Require businesses to offer a certain number of internships or apprenticeships relative to their size.
Incentives for Employers: Provide tax incentives or subsidies for companies that hire interns or apprentices and convert them into full-time employees.

3) Improve Job Matching and Career Services

Government-Sponsored Job Fairs: Organize government-sponsored job fairs focusing on connecting young adults with entry-level positions.

4) Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Regulation:

SME Hiring Incentives: Offer grants or tax breaks to SMEs that hire recent graduates for entry-level roles.

5) Promote Flexibility in Job Requirements

Skills-Based Hiring: Encourage or mandate businesses to focus on skills-based hiring rather than strictly on years of experience or specific degrees.
Lifelong Learning Credits: Provide credits or incentives for continuous education and skills development, making it easier for young adults to upskill or reskill.

6) Strengthen Worker Protections

Worker Protections: Strengthen worker protections to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment of young workers.

We urgently request your support in demanding laws that make it mandatory for businesses to establish fair standards for entry-level job requirements. Let's ensure that the next generation is equipped to contribute fully to the workforce. Please sign and share this petition. Let's advocate for change, together.