Point of View: National service is a workforce solution hiding in plain sight

The Workforce Solution Hiding in Plain Sight: National service builds durable, employer-ready skills

There’s a lot being written and discussed about the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will make some jobs obsolete in the future. Nearly half of all job tasks are expected to be automated within the next two decades, according to a McKinsey and Company report.

But as technological advances are expected to replace the technical “hard” skills that are central to many workplace roles, and even create some new categories of jobs, the demand for employees with durable “soft” skills is expected to remain strong. Employers are increasingly emphasizing durable skills – human-centered skills that include critical and creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and adaptability — that equip individuals to thrive and be successful throughout their careers.

Durable skills are in demand by employers

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reinforces the need for durable skills, with employers saying that that eight of the 10 “core skills of 2030, skills that are core now and expected to increase in use by 2030, can be categorized as durable skills” (WEF FOJ Report 2025, Core Skills in 2030).

Research conducted by America Succeeds provides further evidence, showing that those who have developed a strong set of durable skills are far more likely to succeed in both higher education and their subsequent careers. In addition, based on research findings, close to 90% of employers report that they prioritize durable skills over technical expertise when hiring. And a 2025 analysis of over 75 million job postings reveals that eight of the top 10 most in-demand skills are durable skills, showing up more often in high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Young people gain durable skills through serving with AmeriCorps

How, then, can young adults best position themselves to enter the workforce with the durable skills that employers want and need, preparing them to effectively navigate workplace challenges, collaborate with colleagues, and adapt to shifting demands?

A proven solution is national service programs like those offered through the national service program, AmeriCorps, which provide a unique opportunity for young adults to gain these skills at a time when they are forming their professional identities.

Through these hands-on experiences, participants don’t just learn about these skills—they actively practice and refine them in real-world contexts. AmeriCorps members, for example, work in disaster recovery, environmental protection, education and health-related services, managing teams and taking initiative on projects, all of which demand high levels of adaptability, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

AmeriCorps members serving as City Year student success coaches partner with teachers in under-resourced schools, where they tutor and mentor students to improve academic outcomes, encourage them to stay in school, and keep them on track to graduate. Corps members gain experience in navigating challenging classroom dynamics, where conflict resolution, problem solving and empathy are critical.

At the same time, those who choose national service say that the experience changed their lives for the better, helped them hone critical workforce development skills and figure out what they wanted to do professionally, and, ultimately, made them more engaged citizens. Eighty-four percent of City Year AmeriCorps alums in a 2024 study say serving helped prepare them for their future career paths.

We must expand access to AmeriCorps service opportunities

Given the clear value of durable skills and the role that service programs play in developing them, it’s vital that we continue to expand access to these opportunities. Currently, with cuts to federal funding and other budget uncertainties, the future of these programs is at risk, as is this established pathway for career readiness. It should also be noted that national service is cost effective; for every $1 federal dollar invested, communities and our economy receive $17 in benefits.

For a minimal up-front investment, national service yields a strong return for those who serve and for the employers who will hire them. Many employers report that they want to hire young adults with service experience because they consistently bring durable skills that help them quickly adapt to the work world and that are essential for career success. In fact, long-time corporate partners have established specific recruiting pipelines to source City Year alumni, recognizing the value these young professionals bring through the skills harnessed and developed during a year of service.

Close skills gaps through public-private partnerships that support AmeriCorps programs

Durable skills are more critical than ever in the age of technological innovation and AI, yet they’ve never been a focus of education systems, and schools often lack the tools and resources to help students develop them effectively. This has led to persistent skills gaps, which impose a steep cost on the economy and act as a chronic barrier to economic mobility. Durable skills are in high demand, but a worrisome shortage persists and threatens to grow even larger.

With these challenges in mind, we need to bring together public-private and philanthropic partners in greater numbers to increase funding for service programs and provide more stipends for apprenticeships and scholarships. As more companies focus on skills-based hiring, we need a stronger push for employers and educational institutions to recognize the value of service-based experiences in building workforce-ready skills and to incorporate service into career development programs, offering incentives for students to participate.

In the end, durable skills are more than just “nice-to-haves.” They provide young adults with the tools they need to find their way personally and professionally and contribute meaningfully to society. By investing in service programs, we are not only helping individuals build these vital skills, but we are also creating a high-quality, high-impact workforce that is ready for whatever the future holds.

Tim Taylor is co-founder and president of America Succeeds, where he passionately leads with a belief in education’s power to transform lives and drive economic mobility.

Jim Balfanz, a recognized leader and innovator in the field of education and national service, is CEO and a proud alum of City Year.