Young Kiwis Employment Challenges for the Resource‑Limited

As parents we are all concerned for the future welfare of our children. 2025 was a difficult year with the rise in the cost of living. People at the lower end of the socio-economic pyramid were affected deeply by the rise. Increasing one’s income is always a challenge, however those without skills and a job will continue to be challenged in 2026.  

Job Seekers

Transition

For many young adults in New Zealand, the transition into the workforce is challenging, but for those aged 20 to 25 who lack financial stability, family support, formal education, or social connections, the path is far steeper. This group sits at the intersection of multiple disadvantages, navigating a labour market that often rewards privilege long before it rewards potential. While national statistics show rising unemployment among young adults, these figures mask the deeper struggles of those who begin their job search without the safety nets others take for granted.

Resources

Young people without financial resources face immediate barriers: they may not be able to afford transport to interviews, appropriate clothing, or the unpaid time required for job‑hunting. Those without family support often shoulder responsibilities that limit their availability for full‑time work or study, such as caring for siblings or contributing to household income. Without educational qualifications, they are frequently filtered out by automated hiring systems before a human ever sees their application. And without personal networks, the quiet currency of the job market, they miss out on the informal referrals and insider opportunities that help their peers secure work more easily. Solo mums and dads are in a precarious position without family support. Without this support, childcare costs can take a significant portion of their income.

Workplace

These disadvantages compound in the workplace. Entry‑level roles increasingly demand prior experience, yet those without connections struggle to access even the first rung of the ladder. Many end up in casual or precarious work, where hours fluctuate and rights are poorly enforced. Unscrupulous employers will knowingly break the law to take advantage of imported and uneducated labour. The instability can erode confidence, making it harder to persist through repeated exploitation or rejection. For some, this cycle contributes to disengagement from both employment and education, reflected in the rising NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rates among young adults.

Where the jobs are

Yet despite these systemic barriers, certain sectors in New Zealand continue to offer meaningful pathways for young people who start with little. The trades remain one of the strongest options, particularly because apprenticeships provide paid training and do not require prior qualifications. Healthcare support roles, such as aged‑care or disability support work, offer accessible entry points with short vocational courses and high demand. Hospitality, retail, and logistics — while not always stable — provide immediate employment opportunities and the chance to build transferable skills. Increasingly, digital and technology support roles are opening to those who can demonstrate practical ability, even without formal degrees.

Summary

For resource‑limited young adults, these sectors represent more than just jobs; they offer a foothold in a system that often feels closed to them. But the responsibility cannot rest solely on individuals. A more equitable labour market requires employers to recognise the potential of young workers who have not had the benefit of privilege, and to invest in training, mentorship, and fair hiring practices. It also requires policy settings that reduce the financial and social barriers to participation.

The story of 20–25‑year‑olds without resources is not one of lack, but of resilience in the face of structural disadvantage. Their challenges illuminate the gaps in New Zealand’s employment landscape — and their success, when supported, shows what becomes possible when opportunity is made genuinely accessible.