Gen Z aren’t ready for the workplace—and this youth job program CEO is giving them a crash course in emails and workplace etiquette to change that

Generation Z individuals are eager to secure their initial internships and full-time positions, yet many employers find them lacking the necessary skills to succeed in today's work environment. In response to this challenge, Genesys Works, a nonprofit organization established in 2002, offers a unique program to bridge the gap before these young professionals graduate high school.

The organization prepares underserved high school students for professional careers through skills training, long-term coaching, and paid corporate internships.

The program begins with an eight-week summer course, during which students learn essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, digital literacy, Excel, and office etiquette. This crash course not only boosts participants' confidence when entering the workforce but also makes them stand out from other candidates. Despite employers' complaints about Gen Z workers lacking interpersonal, professional, and technical skills, Genesys Works graduates are prepared to thrive in their future work lives.

The CEO of Genesys Works, Byron V. Garrett, attributes this success to the program's focus on core professional skills, including critical thinking, logic, and reasoning, which have become increasingly important in the current job market. While many employers may not be looking for specific technical skills related to the position, they value these office professional skills, such as being punctual, reporting to a structured environment, and interacting effectively with colleagues.

In addition to workplace fundamentals, Genesys Works also delves into AI education. As many schools have not incorporated digital literacy into their curriculum, the program steps in to teach students about the importance of fact-checking AI-generated work, understanding its limitations, and protecting confidential information. Furthermore, participants become proficient in the office suite and learn how to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT for business efficiency.

Since its inception, Genesys Works has served over 14,000 students across nine regional markets, helping 2,161 teenagers launch their professional careers in 2025 alone. The non-profit has partnered with 205 corporate partners in various industries, including healthcare, technology, finance, and construction. Not only do these paid internships provide students with a sense of dignity, but they also lead to higher earnings.

Genesys Works alumni who are seven or more years post-program earn an average salary of $67,000 per year, compared to the typical starting salary for recent college graduates, which is $56,153, according to 2026 data from Clever.

The demand for Gen Z talent in healthcare and construction companies has surged, with Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville, Florida campus doubling its intern cohort and construction companies increasingly hiring Genesys-trained teenagers. As AI data centers continue to spring up nationwide, there is a growing need for data engineers and HVAC technicians, offering additional opportunities for Genesys Works graduates.

With a focus on both technical skills and professional experience, Genesys-trained students are well-equipped to thrive in today's competitive job market.