Abiola Yussuph has experienced firsthand the challenges of youth unemployment in the current job market. He recently attended a career resource fair organized by The Come Up, a program aimed at empowering Black youth, to explore potential career paths. The Grade 11 student at Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School in Edmonton shared his struggle with the tough job market, where submitting numerous resumes often yields few responses.
Justinah Adeyanju, the program coordinator for The Come Up, emphasized the importance of exposing young individuals to various career options to raise awareness among the next generation of workers. According to Statistics Canada, the youth unemployment rate in Alberta for individuals aged 15 to 24 decreased from 17% in August to 14.7% in September, down from a peak of 20.3% in July. In comparison, the national youth unemployment rate has been hovering around 14% since April.
A report commissioned by King’s Trust Canada highlighted key challenges faced by young people in the workforce, such as increased competition for limited job opportunities and a decline in on-the-job training. The report emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, educational institutions, and businesses to implement effective policies and initiatives to address youth unemployment issues.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concern over the persistently high level of youth unemployment in the province and the country. She introduced the $8 million Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Program to support businesses in hiring young individuals by subsidizing a portion of their wages. Smith emphasized the importance of investing in the future workforce to drive economic growth in Alberta.
Economist Trevor Tombe from the University of Calgary highlighted economic challenges, uncertainties, and disruptions in hiring decisions. He emphasized the need for stronger economic growth to increase job vacancies, promote job creation, and reduce unemployment rates, rather than solely relying on persuading employers to hire more individuals. Global economic projections suggest a slowdown in growth rates in the coming years, underscoring the importance of sustainable economic strategies to combat youth unemployment.
