A major new report from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) shares important insights into how young people around the world are preparing for life after school. The report, called The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation (2025), looked at over 690,000 students in 81 countries.
Here’s what they found—and why it matters.
What the Report Tells Us
Many teens are struggling to figure out their futures. Some key highlights from the report observe:
- 39% of teens are unsure about their future jobs. Teens who don’t have a plan are more likely to have trouble finding good jobs later in life.
- Career dreams don’t match real jobs. Most teens aim for a few “famous” jobs, like doctors or lawyers, even though those roles are hard to get and don’t match job needs in the real world.
- Family background matters too much. Teens from wealthier families are more likely to plan for college—even if they don’t do as well in school—than teens from low-income families who get top grades.
- Few teens are getting hands-on career experiences:
- Only 35% have done a short internship
- Only 45% have visited a workplace
- Only 35% have attended a job fair
- Disadvantaged students get less support, even though they need it the most.
Why This Matters
When teens don’t understand what jobs are out there or how to get them, it hurts their chances later. They may pick the wrong classes, miss opportunities, or drop out of school altogether.
Without support, many feel stressed and unsure.
What Can Help? Real Career Experiences
The OECD report shows that teens are more successful when they see what real jobs are like and get support along the way. These experiences help them make better choices and feel more confident about the future.
Here’s what makes a difference:
Talking with career advisors help students understand their strengths, interests, and the steps needed to reach their goals.
They can answer questions like:
- What jobs are growing?
- Do I need college or training?
- What classes should I take now?
Students who get good career advice are more likely to stay in school and plan for their future.
Visiting real workplaces and job shadowing help teens see what it’s really like to work in different industries. For example, visiting a construction site, hospital, tech office, or restaurant can:
- Show what a typical day looks like.
- Help students decide if a job fits their personality.
- Make job options feel more real and reachable.
Even one visit can open a young person’s eyes to new career paths they hadn’t thought of before.
Trying internships or part-time jobs. Doing a short-term internship or working part-time gives students a chance to build real skills, like:
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Communication
- They also learn what they like—or don’t like—in a job.
These experiences build confidence and motivation. Teens start to understand how what they learn in school connects to real life.
Meet people who work in different careers. Talking with professionals (even for just 20 minutes!) can have a big impact. These conversations help students:
- Ask questions about a job or industry.
- Hear how someone got to where they are.
- Learn what education or training is needed.
- These role models help students imagine themselves in new roles. “If they can do it, maybe I can too.”
- Why These Activities Matter
Reboot Plus has partnered with the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, the Surrey Board of Trade, and the Burnaby Board of Trade, to match young people with professionals in a variety of careers for informational interviews.
The OECD found that students who take part in these activities:
- Are less likely to be confused about their career goals.
- Are more likely to choose the right education path.
- Have better job outcomes as adults.
When teens get a clearer picture of their future, they feel more in control—and more hopeful.
How Reboot Plus Is Making a Difference
At Reboot Plus, we give youth the tools, support, and connections they need to plan their futures with confidence.
Here’s how:
- We help youth build personalized career paths, even if they’re unsure or behind in school.
- We offer mentorship from professionals across different industries.
- We organize real-world career experiences, like workplace visits and career interviews.
- We focus on equity and inclusion, supporting those who face extra barriers.
- We help teens see what’s possible—and make it happen.
Teens in Canada and around the world need more help getting ready for the future. Schools, families, and communities must work together to guide youth and open doors.
Reboot Plus is proud to be part of the solution.
Reboot Plus is a youth education and career development program delivered in partnership by Douglas College and PEERs Employment and Education Resources, with expansion to Fanshawe College and College of the North Atlantic.
Participants are vulnerable youth aged 17 to 24 who have not finished high school and do not have a plan for their future. The 16-week program helps participants identify their values, personality, interests and skills, meet with professionals and develop an education and career action plan.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada