Abiola Yussuph has experienced firsthand the challenges of youth unemployment in the current job market. Attending a career resource fair hosted by The Come Up, a program empowering Black youth through the Africa Centre, he sought not just a job but a clear career path. As a Grade 11 student at Father Michael McCaffery Catholic High School in Edmonton, he shared his frustration about the difficulty of the job search, noting the lack of responses to submitted resumes.
Justinah Adeyanju, the program co-ordinator at The Come Up, emphasized the importance of exposing young attendees to diverse career opportunities to raise awareness for 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. This improvement contrasts with the national average of around 14% since April.
A report commissioned by King’s Trust Canada highlighted the challenges faced by young job seekers, including increased competition, limited job availability, and a lack of 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 underemployment.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concern about the elevated level of youth unemployment, despite the recent slight decline in the numbers. She highlighted the government’s $8 million Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Program, aiming to subsidize the hourly wages of young workers and facilitate hiring by local businesses. Smith emphasized the importance of investing in the future workforce to strengthen Alberta’s economy in the long term.
Economist Trevor Tombe from the University of Calgary pointed out that economic uncertainties and reduced job vacancies have contributed to the current challenges in hiring, particularly affecting sectors like hospitality and retail. Tombe stressed the need for faster economic growth to create more job opportunities and reduce youth unemployment rates.
In conclusion, addressing youth unemployment requires a multifaceted approach involving government support, business initiatives, and economic growth to provide young individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and build a more resilient workforce for the future.