Canadian youth is more educated, equipped with essential skills, flexible, and goal-oriented, but young people face challenges that older generations didn’t. In particular, many struggle to find meaningful, well paid, and lasting jobs once they graduate. Young people live in a constantly changing world, with changes in civic life, social relationships, family, the work sphere, and society in general. To this, some young people fall in vulnerable groups while others face social inequality, a significantly lower income level, and excessive debt load. Canada’s aging population is also an important factor that exerts a huge pressure on young people.
Unemployment
The unemployment ratio for young and older Canadians is very high, and reports show that 20 percent of young Canadians in the age group 15 – 24 are unemployed and never held a job. It seems that getting the right education and diploma or degree is no longer enough. Students who work while in college have better chances of finding meaningful employment while those who don’t easily get caught in the vicious no-experience-no-job, no-job-no-experience cycle. To this, many students graduate with student debt to repay, and some are heavily indebted. Student debt is estimated at $20,000 on average, but some studies peg average debt at $26,000 – $27,000. This is a huge burden for unemployed and underemployed Canadians, especially young people with children.
Vulnerable Groups
Some young Canadians fall in vulnerable groups such as the working poor, adolescent mothers, Aboriginals, and marginalized groups on the fringes of society. Single parents with no support from family members or partner are also at risk.
Prospects for Canada’s Youth
Some experts note that demographic decline will gradually result in more job openings and opportunities for career growth. Good employment prospects and more job opportunities also mean better quality of life and increased social mobility. There are important factors in play that can help Canadians find meaningful employment, one being key economic events that drive upcoming employment opportunities. Other factors include employment opportunities on regional labor markets, which industries and sectors are growing and hiring at present, and how much you can earn in your niche. It is a good idea to compare average wages by region and industry and be flexible and optimistic about job prospects. Job snobbery is certainly a thing of the past in times when education is no longer a surefire ticket.