New EOLWD Report Reveals Trends and Barriers to Employment Among MA Youth & Young Adults

A new report published by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development describes a labor market defined by declining early work experience, sectoral shifts, persistent demographic disparities, and regional variations. “The Massachusetts Youth and Young Adult Labor Market: Trends and Barriers to Employment” shows how these factors affect the supply of entry-level workers, the accessibility of employment opportunities, and the allocation of workforce development resources. Among the report’s conclusions:

• Youth labor force participation, employment-to-population ratios, and disconnection rates differ widely, influenced by local economic structure, educational infrastructure, and the presence of major colleges and universities.
• Traditional entry-level sectors like retail and accommodation & food services have contracted, while health care, construction, and manufacturing have expanded their share of youth jobs.
• The share of young adults entering their mid-20s with limited or no work history has increased, particularly among low-income and White young adults.
• Young adults with a bachelor’s degree are more likely to transition into higher-wage, career-track sectors, while those with only a high school diploma remain concentrated in lower-wage, less mobile roles.
• The sorting of youth by education level directly influences wage trajectories and economic capacity.

Read the entire report here.