NFTE’s newest Nexus policy brief focuses on Preparing the Next Generation of Talent: How NFTE’s Entrepreneurship Education Addresses Emerging Employer Needs. Drawing on findings from a national employer survey conducted alongside partners including Jobs for the Future (JFF), Britebound, and Junior Achievement, the brief explores how employer expectations for young talent are evolving—and why durable skills like communication, adaptability, problem-solving, initiative, and resilience are becoming increasingly critical in today’s economy.
The brief also highlights the important role entrepreneurship education can play in helping young people build these capabilities through authentic, real-world experiences. As industries continue to be reshaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and rapid technological change, employers are placing greater value on workers who can collaborate, think creatively, navigate ambiguity, and continuously learn. NFTE’s model helps students develop these competencies while building confidence, agency, and a stronger sense of purpose and direction for their futures.
In addition to examining employer perspectives, the brief outlines policy recommendations focused on expanding access to entrepreneurial learning, strengthening skills-based pathways, and increasing investment in high-quality mentorship and career-connected learning experiences.