Most hiring managers say today’s high school graduates are not ready to enter the workforce, with many calling for more business and financial literacy courses in schools, according to a new survey by the College Board and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The poll of 500 hiring managers found that 84 per cent believe high school students are unprepared to start work after graduation, while 80 per cent say this group is less prepared compared to past generations. By contrast, graduates of trade schools (90 per cent) and four-year colleges (89 per cent) with industry-recognized credentials are seen as ready to enter the workforce.
Experience valued over education
Employers place a high premium on real-world experience, with 89 per cent of respondents saying they value work experience more than formal education. Internships were cited by 46 per cent of hiring managers as the best way for students to build early-career skills, followed by trade schools (40 per cent) and four-year colleges (37 per cent).
Soft skills also ranked high. Nine in 10 hiring managers said they are more likely to hire a candidate who demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving (94 per cent) or effective communication (90 per cent).
Credentials boost job readiness
Industry-recognized credentials are considered a “talent booster,” particularly for high school graduates. The survey found 71 per cent of hiring managers viewed credentialed high school grads as prepared, compared to 40 per cent without credentials.
Credentials were valued nearly as much as soft skills, ranking ahead of factors such as a bachelor’s degree (68 per cent), internship experience (83 per cent) or leadership experience (83 per cent).
Financial literacy called critical
Almost all hiring managers (96 per cent) said financial literacy skills are important for new workers. The most valuable areas of knowledge cited were:
- Taxes, net income and budgeting (42 per cent)
- Saving and investing (41 per cent)
- Borrowing, credit and debt (39 per cent)
Nearly all respondents (92 per cent) said high schools should add more business courses, while 97 per cent want greater emphasis on soft skills such as collaboration and critical thinking.
AP course seen as solution
Looking ahead, nine in 10 hiring managers said the upcoming Advanced Placement (AP) Business with Personal Finance course, set to launch in U.S. high schools in 2026, will have a positive impact on workforce readiness.
The survey was conducted online between May 20 and June 9, 2025, with follow-up interviews held with senior HR leaders over the summer.
Read the full report here: https://www.uschamber.com/assets/documents/2025-New-Hire-Readiness-Report.pdf
