A Degree is not a Doorway anymore
Ireland lives in a paradox. More young people are pursuing third-level education, becoming more informed, and investing in qualifications. Yet youth unemployment remains a real concern. According to a survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15 to 24) stood at 13.2% in Q2 2025, up from 12.0% in Q2 2024. The youth are the future of any country, and when their skills and energy are not matched with opportunity, progress slows. Today, simply holding a degree no longer guarantees a foot in the door. Many young graduates, myself included, spend years and significant money becoming qualified, only to find that “entry-level” roles still require years of experience. Instead of investing time and resources to train early-career candidates, some employers prioritise applicants who already have proven experience. That choice can be understandable from a business perspective, but it also means organisations miss the chance to mentor and develop talented young professionals who could become loyal, highly effective employees.
The Experience Trap
We would like to believe that by 2026, hiring decisions would be based solely on merit rather than background. However, research has shown that social-class signals can shape perceptions of candidates. A case study discussed by researchers at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business found that candidates from higher socio-economic backgrounds were more likely to be hired, influenced by cues such as home address, accent, and even Zoom background. Bias is often difficult to prove because it can be hidden behind vague language like “not a cultural fit”. For young people without privileged networks, talent alone may not be enough because opportunities are unevenly distributed. This dynamic creates a cycle: experience is required to secure work, but work is required to gain experience. When unemployment is high, employers can be more selective and set expectations that shut out capable people who simply have not yet been given a start. The consequences of youth unemployment extend beyond economics. Prolonged unemployment can damage morale and mental health, increasing stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt. Without the routine and structure of work, some young people experience a loss of identity and feel like a burden to their families. These pressures can also contribute to emigration, as talented graduates leave Ireland in search of opportunities elsewhere, weakening the country’s future workforce. Youth unemployment is a global challenge, but some countries have implemented programmes that show what targeted solutions can look like. In South Africa, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator programme connects young job seekers with opportunities and provides work-readiness support through its platform. Its stated goal was to help shift 3 million young people from learning to earning by 2025. Similarly, the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) in Bangladesh helps young people develop practical skills through vocational training and establishes partnerships within the private sector. It also specifically targets vulnerable groups like the youth, women, and ethnic minorities. These initiatives have contributed greatly to improving the prospects of employability for the youth and, in turn, higher economic success.
Talent alone is not enough because opportunities are unevenly distributed.
A Future Worth Building
The challenge is not only about finding jobs for young people. It is about shaping a society that helps talented individuals grow into future leaders. If we want a thriving Ireland, opportunities must be made accessible to those who are ready to contribute. That means investing in work-ready training, strengthening partnerships between public and private organisations, and creating incentives for employers to hire and develop early-career talent. Until those structures improve, the youth may remain strong, but unemployed.
Harshini Rajesh is a master’s student at UCD, where she is studying Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology. She has been involved with STAND since 2025, first through its Global Issues Course, and now as a news contributor and member of the Student Advisory Panel. Harshini is passionate about writing on gender and education.
