Executive Summary

Gen Z - those born between 1997 and 2012 - is expected to make up 30% of the US workforce by 2030. As older generations like Baby Boomers and Gen X retire, Gen Z is set to become the driving force behind the labor market, taking center stage in a transformative era marked by technological advancements in broadband, energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Despite their adaptability and digital proficiency, Gen Zers face considerable challenges in accessing high-growth opportunities within these sectors.

The U.S. must strategically invest in workforce development to equip Gen Z with the skills necessary to thrive in these emerging industries. Critical labor shortages on the horizon must be addressed to sustain economic growth and technological leadership. Without a robust workforce pipeline, the nation risks falling behind in global competitiveness.

Background 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), our nation’s largest federal investment law for workforce development, was designed to strengthen workforce development systems through job training and employment services. While it has made strides in addressing employment challenges, WIOA’s focus on traditional training programs and credentialing pathways has fallen short in preparing workers for emerging demands in the digital age. The workforce landscape has rapidly evolved since WIOA was first enacted in 2014, with demand for skilled professionals in new sectors outpacing supply. The Fiber Broadband Association reports that nearly 180,000 workers are needed to complete federally and state-funded broadband networks. Without this workforce, efforts to expand high-speed internet access across the U.S. will stall. Similarly, the nuclear energy sector faces a growing talent gap, with too few engineers entering the field to replace an aging workforce, threatening progress in clean energy development. According to a 2023 report by Energy Innovation, the clean energy measures in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could generate as many as 1.3 million jobs across the nation by 2030.

In the AI sector, Georgetown’s CSET highlights that the U.S. is struggling to build a sustainable talent pipeline, leaving companies unable to fully integrate AI-driven technologies into their operations. IBM’s latest workforce report echoes these concerns, pointing to an AI skills gap that could slow economic growth and innovation. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that persistent labor shortages across multiple industries pose a significant challenge to economic stability. These findings make it clear: without immediate action, the U.S. risks falling behind in broadband expansion, nuclear energy advancements, AI-driven economies, and quantum computing breakthroughs.

Challenge 

Despite Gen Z’s digital fluency, there is a disconnect between industry needs and available workforce training programs. Many emerging technology fields require specialized skills that are not widely taught in traditional education settings. Without targeted investment, several challenges will persist. The lack of trained technicians threatens nationwide broadband expansion, delaying economic and educational benefits. With too few nuclear engineers entering the field, the U.S. risks slowing its transition to clean energy solutions. Without an AI, energy, cybersecurity and quantum computing talent pipeline, U.S. innovation will lag behind global competitors. As AI transforms industries, workers without AI literacy will struggle to compete for jobs. Traditional degree programs do not always align with real-world job demands, limiting employment opportunities for young professionals.

Solution 

Addressing workforce gaps requires a coordinated effort among government, industry, and educational institutions to ensure Generation Z is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Prioritizing workforce development involves expanding training programs through greater investment in apprenticeships, technical training, and digital skill development, equipping Gen Z with the expertise needed for in-demand careers. Strengthening public-private partnerships between educational institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies will create clear career pathways in emerging fields like broadband, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Incentivizing STEM education through scholarships, loan forgiveness, and grants will further develop a robust talent pipeline, while AI literacy and reskilling initiatives will prepare workers to collaborate with AI tools rather than risk being displaced by them. To ensure equitable access to high-growth opportunities, workforce development programs must also prioritize underrepresented communities, ultimately strengthening the nation’s workforce pipeline.

Policy Recommendations 

To secure the future of work for Generation Z and uphold U.S. leadership in critical technology sectors, policymakers have an opportunity to enact meaningful legislation on a bipartisan level. This includes reauthorizing WIOA to expand federal grants and incentives for technical education and workforce training programs in high-demand fields such as broadband, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. National initiatives should be established to create industry-aligned workforce pipelines, connecting students with internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training in emerging industries. Through the JOBS Act of 2025, the Job Training Federal Grant Program would be established to facilitate training in high-skill, high-wage industry sectors with worker shortages. Additionally, promoting ethical AI hiring standards is vital to ensure transparency, prevent discrimination, and support fair employment practices. To encourage continuous workforce development, tax incentives should be provided to employers who invest in reskilling initiatives, helping employees adapt to technological advancements. Congress must vote on and pass the LEAP Act, establishing this much needed program. Finally, policymakers must expand access to alternative education models, such as coding boot camps, micro-credentialing programs, and vocational training, which offer practical pathways into technology careers. Together, these efforts will strengthen the nation's workforce and prepare Gen Z for success in the evolving job market.

Conclusion 

Gen Z is poised to lead the future of work, but they need the right tools and opportunities to succeed. Without strategic workforce investments, the U.S. risks talent shortages, economic stagnation, and diminished global competitiveness. Reports from the Fiber Broadband Association, Georgetown CSET, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce confirm the urgency of action. By implementing policies that prioritize upskilling, reskilling, and ethical workforce development, policymakers can ensure that Gen Z is prepared to drive innovation in broadband, nuclear energy, AI, quantum computing, and beyond. ZETA remains committed to advocating for a future where young professionals are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in an evolving digital economy.