It is much worse now.
We have kids graduating from top tier engineering schools who can’t get a job. I know personally of one who had to go back to India and apply for an H1B. She was born and raised in Iowa, but her family was from India.
When you have to fake your citizenship to get a job, things are rough. I would not recommend STEM degrees right now.
I would. Those degrees teach actual, hard skills. An engineering degree is always a good preparation. Kids need to smart and know where the jobs and get connected with companies.
They can't just study for 4 years; then pop up and expect a job.
Do summer jobs in the industry; get to know people. In other words; networking.