Increased Employer Confidence Signals Bright Hiring Prospects, Particularly for Entry-Level Professionals with Relevant Skills in the US Labor Market
The Lifelong Learning Administration Corporation (LLAC) has revealed the findings of an independent survey, which delves into employer opinions about entry-level hiring and the impact of personalized learning in high schools.
The nationwide survey, conducted by J. Wallin Opinion Research from May 16 to June 2, 2025, interviewed 2,000 employers, with an oversample in California. The results, released in August during Personalized Learning Month, suggest a growing demand among U.S. employers for skilled entry-level workers.
According to the survey, 94% of employers plan to hire entry-level employees in the next 12 months, and 87% feel the demand for entry-level workers will continue over the next 24 months. However, many candidates lack the necessary skills and certifications, with 59% of employers requiring certifications/training of new employees.
The survey also found that 94% of employers value high school courses, and 74% of companies find it very important for high schools to include flexible learning models tailored to students' career or vocational interests. Furthermore, 9 in 10 employers believe personalized instruction in high school would help produce better-prepared candidates for entry-level positions.
Employers see value in additional workplace training and relevant work experience acquired during high school. This indicates that personalized learning approaches, which tailor education to individual students’ needs and career goals, improve engagement, outcomes, and graduation rates. The findings align with the idea that adapting education to the unique learning styles and career objectives of each student facilitates a stronger transition to the skilled workforce.
Among the top skills that are lacking in entry-level candidates are time management, work ethic/dependability, communication skills, positivity, and greater professionalism. Companies are particularly interested in personalized learning that includes job skills training, especially in the areas of business and finance, marketing/sales, information technologies, professional skills, and computing.
The survey also revealed that 78% of employers are willing to pay entry-level applicants more if they have required certifications, with 55% of employers willing to pay between 10% and 20% more. Moreover, 76% of employers find certifications valuable when entry-level applicants have them.
However, 43% of employers have changed their hiring standards of entry-level candidates to accommodate reduced skill levels, and 57% of those who have changed their standards feel it has negatively affected their organization's performance.
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In summary, employers are optimistic but emphasize the need for better skill development at the high school level, particularly through personalized learning programs that directly prepare students for entry-level employment.
- Employers planning to hire entry-level employees in the upcoming 12 months stand at 94%, with an expectation of continued demand for the next 24 months.
- Over 59% of employers require certifications or training for their new hires, highlighting the importance of such training in the education-and-self-development sector.
- The survey found that 74% of companies consider it very important for high schools to provide flexible learning models tailored to students' career or vocational interests, aligning with the personal-growth and learning aspects of education.
- Employers are willing to pay entry-level applicants more if they possess required certifications, with 55% of employers prepared to offer between 10% and 20% more for such candidates.
