The Trump administration is shifting its focus to recruiting Gen Z workers after shedding 385,000 federal employees last year. Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), highlighted the looming demographic challenge, with nearly half of the federal workforce nearing retirement age.
Early Career Talent Network Launched
OPM has launched the Early Career Talent Network, targeting entry-level workers with five to seven years of experience. The program spans roles in finance, human resources, engineering, project management, and procurement.
We’re reshaping the workforce to make sure that we have the right talent for the right roles.
Currently, early-career individuals make up only about 7% of the 2 million civilian federal workforce, compared to more than 20% of the broader U.S. workforce.
Labor Market Challenges
The recruitment push comes as Gen Z faces a stagnant labor market. The unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 reached 5.6% at the end of 2025, above the 4.2% overall unemployment rate.
Federal Workforce Transformation
The hiring spree marks a departure from the Trump administration’s earlier efforts to reduce the federal workforce. From January 2025 to January 2026, 386,826 workers departed, including 17,000 through reductions in force.
OPM’s recruitment initiatives include the U.S. Tech Force, aiming to hire 1,000 engineers and specialists to work with private-sector tech companies on AI infrastructure within the federal government.