I can talk as someone in the younger age group (24 currently). I did an apprenticeship, but there is a similar issue of 'lack of experience' for tradesman aswell, as employers want people 5+ years post trade and often you get layed off once you complete your trade, but at 19 i Landed a job at a university. The reason i was chosen over anyone else was because i was the only applicant who had english as a first language, which is very important as I do alot of direct comunication with researchers and acedemic staff. The fact that I'm an australian was the factor that got me a job.
At the same time im very limited career wise in the university and beyond with just my trade papers. So i have taken steps to further my education and am also doing a degree while working fulltime.
I see alot of people in my generation complaining about jobs and house affordability.I moved out of home at 18 and I bought my first place at 22 on a sole income, with only a trade certificate behind me. My sister has just bought a place at 23 on a sole income with no formal qualifications. It is entirely possible to get ahead early in life, they just dont want to put in the hard work. They would rather spend time travelling to 'find them selves' and forking out money for holidays and nights out rather than save and put effort into building their lives up. If i can do it, the son of a single mother, who grew up in a reasonably poor family (Due to cercumstances beyond my mothers control, health issues etc.) in small country towns, 20+ years battling mental illness, didnt complete highschool. these kids with both parents and growing up in the middle class just need to learn to put their head down and get shit done, it isnt always going to be easy or pleasent. but suck it up and get on with it.