College graduates may need to explore outside study area to get job, experts say

HOUSTON, Texas -- ABC13's latest Who's Hiring job fair takes a look at what options are available to help recent college graduates looking for work.

The National Center for Education Statistics shows the cost to attend college isn't getting cheaper. The most recent figures show a private university is more than $40,000 a year.

It's an investment that many hope will lead to a career. But a recent JPMorgan report shows unemployment among recent college graduates is nearly 6% higher than the overall workforce, which is at about 4%.

The report shows grads are struggling because some industries, including tech, finance, and professional services, are cutting back. Also, they said remote work is hurting graduates because they aren't working with mentors.

They said artificial intelligence is impacting entry-level workers as well. Experts said another reason why some might be struggling is they waited too long to search.

"It's really important before you graduate to do the career exploration through internships, paid work-based opportunities," Workforce Solutions Executive Director Juliet Stipeche explained.

That could mean going back to school, not to a traditional classroom, but to an apprenticeship program, including one where you work on elevators.

"We have eight semesters," International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 31 Business Manager Ryan Schuett explained. "It's very similar to a college program where you're going to have a fall and spring semester every year."

An apprenticeship not only educates you about the career, but you're working as well. Most require a high school diploma, but a college degree helps too.

"Those candidates are already applying themselves within that college curriculum," Schuett said. "A lot of times, it's a really great fit for us as well."

It's an option not just to learn a career, but get paid while doing it. Jose Camargo took a pre-apprenticeship program. After three weeks, he landed in the elevator program.

"The biggest difference in the world," Carmargo said. "I have kids. I can focus on getting them through school. Right now, I don't have any debt, and I get paid weekly, and it's great."

Our ABC13 Who's Hiring job fair with Workforce Solutions continues Thursday everywhere you stream ABC13.