Young Canadians are facing increasing challenges in finding employment, with many struggling to secure their first job. At a recent job fair in Calgary targeting youth aged 15 to 24, recent graduate Jay-Owen Angeles expressed his frustration after applying to over 100 companies without securing an interview. Similarly, his younger brother Ronin Angeles, a second-year student in computer science and biology, shared his difficulties in landing a job, even in food service roles.
The job market remains competitive, with thousands of young individuals turning to job fairs to make a personal impression on potential employers. However, despite their efforts, young workers are disproportionately affected by job losses, accounting for half of the job losses in the first quarter of the year while representing only 14% of the labor force. This challenging situation is exacerbated by weakening hiring demands in sectors that typically employ young people, coupled with a growing population post-pandemic.
Statistics Canada’s recent labor force survey revealed that the unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15 to 24 stood at 13.8% in March, significantly higher than the overall rate of 6.7%. Although there has been a slight decrease from the previous year, young workers continue to bear the brunt of job losses, accounting for a majority of the 95,000 jobs lost in the first quarter of the year.
Factors such as higher energy prices, U.S. trade tensions, and the impact of artificial intelligence have made employers more cautious about hiring young workers. Entry-level positions are becoming scarcer, as companies are opting to assign more responsibilities to existing staff rather than hiring new employees. Experts warn that the long-lasting effects of this trend could hinder the development of valuable workplace skills among young individuals.
To address these challenges, the federal government is set to launch its summer jobs program, aiming to provide opportunities for young people to gain experience and enhance their skills for future careers. The program is expected to offer up to 100,000 positions, with increased support for various fields and sectors. Despite the tough job market, experts advise young job seekers to maintain a positive attitude and persevere in their job search efforts.
