Generation COVID: Kiwis in 20s heading overseas, struggling to transition to full-time work after pandemic lockdowns

Our days at university are often most memorable for our social life. But when uni went online, it was just the studying left.

Our 20-somethings feel short-changed - and that's impacting their readiness for the working life. 

The first cautious steps into adulthood are both exciting and terrifying. Heading into the unknown and moving away from home to study is one of life's defining markers.

Student Maggie Nicholson's university experience has been unlike any before.

First-year students of 2020 only had four weeks to take control of their new lives in a hall of residence before something took control for them - lockdown.

"The residential assistants - they came round and were like, 'So are you gonna stay or go? Because if you're staying then the meals are coming to the door you can't leave your room,'" said Nicholson, from the University of Canterbury. "So obviously everyone was like, 'OK, we're leaving.'"

Suddenly they were back home, doing lectures online and trying to make friends from a distance 

And every time uni life seemed to return to normal, another outbreak would empty the lecture theatres.

"It has still been an awesome experience but, yeah, definitely a bit of a letdown," Nicholson said.

Careers specialist Caroline Sandford is already seeing the effects of that.

"The biggest part is anxiety and the effect on wellbeing, loss of confidence and possibly having not got the school or university experience they had wished for a lack of motivation - why bother?

"They haven’t had that interaction with employers, they haven't been able to get work experience, they haven't been able to have those curious conversations about careers," Sandford told Newshub. 

After two years of letdowns, many of our 20-somethings just want out - and they're making the most of borders reopening.

Among them is former Newshub reporter Ed O'Driscoll.

Before COVID-19, he was planning a short European holiday.

"I was gonna do a Contiki, I was going to meet up with some mates at a festival afterward," O'Driscoll said. "I never wanted to go and live in London."

Former Newshub reporter Ed O'Driscoll speaks to Alice Wilkins over video call.
Former Newshub reporter Ed O'Driscoll. Photo credit: Newshub

But by the end of the big lockdown last year, he knew he needed more than a short break

"Essentially it was just COVID for… two years at work, it was really hectic, Auckland was in and out of lockdowns," said O'Driscoll.

"Ultimately, that sort of played a big part in why I decided to go and do my OE (overseas experience)."

He's now committed to a two-year working visa in the UK - and he's not alone. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has estimated as many as 125,000 people could leave New Zealand this year alone - affecting our business stability.

Recruitment agent Adam Shapley, the managing director of Hays, said New Zealand businesses are having to offer higher salaries and flexibility to secure workers. 

"There probably hasn't been a time where there have been this many job vacancies available."

And wellbeing is front of mind. 

"We do a survey every year around what people are looking for from potential employers," Shapley said. "Flexibility and the ability to work from home, for example, was always one of the top five 'I would like to have,' pre-COVID. It doesn't even rank anymore because it is just expected."

And more of our 20-somethings are choosing to learn while they work. In 2021, Taranaki's Western Institute of Technology (WITT) saw record-breaking enrollments for apprenticeships.

"Automotive - we were sitting between 35 [and] 40 students. In 2021 we had 100 students enrol in that programme," WITT trade training director Daniel Fuemana said. "Electrical - we had about 30, 35 - and then we had 80."

With or without COVID-19, those leaving high school and heading into their 20s are always diving into the unknown.

But, now, they're having to adapt, ride the wave and seize opportunities in new places.   

Watch Newshub Investigates: Generation COVID in full on ThreeNow.