For many young Canadians, landing that first job has never felt harder.
While Canada’s labour market showed encouraging signs in May 2026, with employment increasing and youth unemployment easing slightly, thousands of young people are still struggling to gain the experience employers are looking for. For employers, this represents more than a hiring challenge. It’s an opportunity to help build a stronger future workforce.
A Tough Working Start for Many Young Canadians
Statistics Canada reported that youth unemployment for Canadians aged 15 to 24 fell to 13.4% in May 2026, marking the first monthly improvement since January. Full-time employment among young workers also increased significantly, with nearly 99,000 additional full-time jobs created during the month. Meanwhile, Canada’s overall unemployment rate declined to 6.6% as employers added 88,000 jobs nationally. These are positive signs, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Young job seekers continue to face a labour market that remains considerably more challenging than it was before the pandemic. Returning students looking for summer work experienced an unemployment rate of 18.0%, highlighting just how competitive entry-level employment has become.
For teenagers aged 15 to 19, the situation is even more difficult. Nearly one in five young people actively looking for work are unable to find it. At the same time, around 914,000 Canadians aged 15 to 29 are currently classified as NEET, that is, not in employment, education or training, representing 11.5% of Canada’s youth population. That number has grown significantly over the past few years, demonstrating that many young people are becoming disconnected from both work and learning opportunities.
Why Early Employment Matters for Young Canadians
A first job is about far more than earning a paycheque.
Early employment helps young people develop confidence, communication skills, workplace expectations and professional networks that shape future careers. When these opportunities are delayed, the impacts can last well beyond the first few years of work.
Research commissioned by The King’s Trust Canada and prepared by Deloitte estimates that reducing youth unemployment and underemployment could contribute $18.5 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2034, create approximately 228,000 additional jobs, increase wages and salaries, and generate billions in additional government revenue.
Beyond the economic impact lies a human one.
Extended periods of unemployment have been linked to lower lifetime earnings, slower career progression and poorer mental health outcomes. Job searching without success can affect confidence, increase financial stress and contribute to feelings of isolation, particularly for young people entering adulthood.
Increasingly, employment experts recognize that successful workforce programs need to support both practical employment skills and personal wellbeing, helping young people build resilience alongside workplace capability.
What Young People Can Do to Successfully Enter the Workforce
Although today’s labour market is competitive, there are practical ways young people can improve their chances of securing meaningful employment.
Building transferable skills through volunteering, work experience, training programs or community involvement can demonstrate initiative even without extensive work history. Tailoring resumes and applications to each role, preparing thoroughly for interviews and remaining open to apprenticeships, traineeships and entry-level opportunities can also open doors.
Equally important is seeking support. Employment specialists can help young people identify career pathways, connect with employers, improve job search techniques and build the confidence needed to navigate an increasingly competitive market.
Having someone to support you and guide the journey can make all the difference.
Why Employers Play a Critical Role
Canada’s future workforce depends on today’s employers being willing to invest in emerging talent.
Hiring a young person isn’t simply filling a vacancy. It’s an opportunity to shape future employees from the beginning, developing skills that align with your business while creating long-term workforce capability.
Many young candidates bring fresh perspectives, digital confidence, adaptability and a strong willingness to learn. With the right onboarding, mentoring and workplace support, they often become highly engaged, loyal employees who grow alongside the business.
Employers that create pathways for young people through apprenticeships, internships, work placements or entry-level roles aren’t just supporting individuals. They’re helping strengthen Canada’s economy while building sustainable talent pipelines for the future.
Creating Better Pathways Together
Addressing youth unemployment isn’t the responsibility of young people alone.
Governments, educators, employment services and employers all have an important role to play in creating accessible pathways into meaningful work. By combining practical skills development, mentoring, workplace experience and wellbeing support, more young Canadians can successfully transition into long-term careers.
Every career starts with someone willing to provide an opportunity.
For young Canadians, that opportunity can be the beginning of a fulfilling career.
For employers, it can be the beginning of developing the skilled workforce their business needs for years to come.
Sources: Statistics Canada (Labour Force Survey, May 2026), Employment and Social Development Canada (2025), and The King’s Trust Canada / Deloitte (2024).