JPMorgan warns Gen Z about skills shortage and calls for technical development

Published: 2025-06-26 07:01:46 ET JPM

Published on 06/26/2025 at 07:01

Key takeaways

Business leaders advocate for skills-based education

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, points out that the shortage of skilled workers is hindering business growth, not the lack of available jobs. He argues that the education system should prioritize preparing people for jobs rather than simply handing out diplomas. Dimon emphasizes the importance of teaching in-demand skills such as programming, cybersecurity, and financial management.

His concerns are echoed by other influential figures in the business world. More than 250 CEOs, including those from Microsoft, Airbnb, and Salesforce, have called for broad access to computer science and AI education. They believe these skills are essential if students want to thrive in a technology-driven future.

The findings of the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report supports Dimon’s position, highlighting that 63 percent of employers see the lack of skills as a major barrier to business transformation. The report predicts that by 2027 there will be a significant need for reskilling workers in areas such as AI and analytics. Additionally, the report estimates that millions of jobs could remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled candidates, potentially slowing growth in various sectors.

Dimon calls on companies to actively collaborate with educational institutions to close the skills gap. He advocates for a system that encourages lifelong learning and adaptability, so that graduates are equipped to tackle real-world challenges rather than just earning a certificate.

The importance of technical skills for employability

Empirical evidence supports Dimon’s argument. A study by the University of Maryland found that students who take computer science in high school earn on average 8 percent more in their first job. While artificial intelligence tools can assist with tasks such as programming, Dimon believes that fundamental technical skills remain essential for employability.

Dimon also stresses the importance of soft skills, such as professionalism, communication, and reliability. These qualities often play a decisive role in hiring and retention decisions.

A clear message to Gen Z

The message is clear: having a diploma is not enough. Gen Z must cultivate a combination of technical expertise and strong character traits to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Dimon urges young people to seize opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, programming, project management, and financial literacy, arguing that these skills will remain valuable in the long term. The urgency lies in the fact that if the skills gap persists between now and 2030, millions of jobs could remain unfilled, leaving graduates with no prospects despite their qualifications.