Latest news with #youthunemployment
CBC
13 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa students struggle to find summer work as unemployment rises
Many young people in Ottawa are struggling to find jobs as unemployment reaches its highest level in recent years. According to Statistics Canada, 20.1 per cent of returning students — people aged 15 to 24 who attended school full time in March and who intend to study again in the fall — were unemployed in May, up 3.2 percent from the same month last year. Excluding the pandemic years, that's the highest rate since 2009, the agency said. Unemployment for young people in the same age bracket who are not returning to school has also increased to 12.2 per cent, compared to 11.6 per cent last year. "It's been horrible," said Shannon Simbi, a grade 11 student in Ottawa. Simbi said she has applied to various positions at restaurants, retail stores and a retirement home without success. "They aren't hiring students, it's so bad," she said. Ella Eklo is also struggling to find a job in the city. An international student from Ivory Coast who will soon graduate from the University of Ottawa with a degree in economics, Eklo said she has applied for numerous jobs during the past six months. So far, she's only managed to land a single interview for a position as a camp counsellor. "I have more opportunities in my country than here," said Eklo, who is thinking of returning to Ivory Coast if her job hunt is unsuccessful. Ayoub Ben Sedrine has been applying for IT developer positions but hasn't heard back from any employers. As his graduation from Algonquin College approaches, Ben Sedrine is widening his search, looking at internships and volunteer opportunities as well. "Honestly it's making me sad and frustrated because after all my hard work and spending time studying and stuff and then I don't get responses," Ben Sedrine said. "I feel like I'm wasting time." Several students complained of frustrating experiences with online job sites. Stella Rose, who is pursuing a bachelor of fine arts in acting, said she only managed to find a job after directly canvassing business owners. Now working at ByWard Market's children's store Tickled Pink, Rose described job hunting as "hard," as many places didn't accept resumes in person. "I applied to tons of places on Indeed, my boyfriend applied to 50 to 100 places on Indeed, and no one was reaching back out," she said, referring to the online job site. "Everyone is hiring, but no one is hiring," Rose added. David Mangano, the co-owner of The Grand Pizzeria and Bar, said he employs around 70 students. Although he's fully staffed, he still gets applications daily. "I've noticed over the last year, there's a lot more people looking for work. So in the spring we triple our numbers for employees," Mangano said. "We actually start sort of collecting resumes around the end of February for training in March." Mangano said he had a shortage of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, now the opposite is happening. He said he has received an influx in resumes, particularly among international students and new Canadians who are looking for work. "I think it's a bit tough out there," Mangano said. "I think the job market is a little light for the number of people looking for work." Ethan Eggett is a student at Carleton University who has started his own business, Westboro Student Painters. Eggett said his decision to employ other students for painting jobs is both strategic and convenient. "I wanted people who were only willing to work for four months of the year and then basically get laid off," Eggett said. "As well, it's a selling point. A lot of clients love working with students." Eggett added he basically works part-time throughout the year to run the business, which includes training the students he hires. Like Mangano, Eggett also hires a lot of students in the late winter and spring seasons. He also receives applications on occasion, even though he's fully hired his eight-member team for the summer. On Friday, Jobs Minister Patty Hadju said the government is adding 6,000 more positions to the Canada Summer Jobs program, but that won't come until later this season.
News24
4 days ago
- Business
- News24
Top tips for job seekers this Youth Month
______________________________________________________________________ Entering the job market is no walk in the park. Youth unemployment is still a huge concern for South Africans, with recent statistics showing that the youth unemployment rate has gone up to 46.1 percent of the youth population, with a whopping 4.8 million young people out of work. This Youth Month, it's important now more than ever to highlight the challenges that Mzansi's youth face when trying to enter the job market. Sandi Richardson, the human resources executive at financial services company RCS, explains to TRUELOVE that these challenges are usually around the lack of practical navigation skills on how exactly to get job searching. Empowering the youth with information Sandi shares some examples on some of the challenges young people face. 'Firstly, limited financial literacy. Many young individuals enter adulthood without a foundational understanding of budgeting, saving or the responsible use of credit. This impacts their ability to manage the income they do earn, plan for the future or even understand remuneration packages. 'Secondly, there's often a gap in guidance on personal and professional growth. Beyond academic qualifications, many young people lack mentorship or coaching to understand how to develop crucial soft skills like self-advocacy, resilience and effective communication – skills that are absolutely vital for workplace success and progression.' READ MORE | How Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli bagged an actuarial science degree at 17 Getting into the job market can also be very intimidating, Sandi says. 'Without prior experience, the process of crafting a CV, interviewing and even understanding workplace culture can feel overwhelming, leading to a lack of confidence and initiative. We need to equip our youth with the tools and belief that they can succeed,' she implores. Sandi's tips to prepare for and enter the job market 1. Don't knock entry-level job opportunities like retail and call centres. 'While the job market can be daunting, industries like retail and call/contact centres continue to offer starting points for young South Africans. These sectors offer flexible entry-level opportunities that often require little more than a matric certificate. Seasonal work, part-time jobs, and shifts that work around study schedules make these ideal stepping stones.' 2. Keep learning and developing your skills. Workshops like RCS's partnership with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) teach effective communication, bouncing back from setbacks and pitching for yourself for roles, promotions or learnerships. Power moves to get working Sandi highlights three moves every young jobseeker should be doing to improve their chances of success in today's world of work: 1. Spotlight soft skills when building your CV Soft skills like being a hard worker or eager to learn are good ways to show recruiters what you have to offer if work experience is lacking. 'If you have little to no working experience, spotlight 'soft skills' like willingness to learn or your ability to take initiative. You could also add in any teamwork experience you have (including sports and hobbies) as well as any volunteer work you've done,' Sandi advises. 'Volunteer work not only helps you develop valuable skills – like leadership, teamwork and problem solving – but also boosts your CV by showcasing your initiative and commitment to making a difference. Highlight any digital skills, such as social media management and include computer programmes you are literate in. Websites like Resume-Now offer easy to use, free templates to build your CV.' 2. Search online The internet will be your best friend while job seeking. If connectivity is an issue, look around your neighbourhood for internet cafes and printing shops, they usually offer a small fee for using their resources. Sandi says, 'Portals like Careers24, Pnet and JobMail are great sources of entry level jobs such as store assistants, cashiers and customer service agents. Some of these portals even allow you to add a 'no experience' filter to narrow down your search.' 3. Tap into your network Social networking sites aren't just for catching up with friends and family. 'A social media platform like LinkedIn will help find and reach out to connections and people you may know in these industries,' Sandi explains. 'Create or update your LinkedIn profile, connect with former teachers, family friends or ex-colleagues and ask for informational interviews. If someone you know can provide you with a referral or recommendation, that could simplify and fast-track the process.'
Mail & Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: Hunger is Political
In this week's episode, Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng sit down with Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to unpack the shifting landscape of South African politics. From President Ramaphosa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to the realities young people face on the ground, this is a timely and unfiltered conversation. As Youth Month begins, we confront the hard questions: 🔹 Why are so many young South Africans still unemployed? 🔹 Why do barriers to voting persist in a democracy built on freedom? 🔹 How can youth reclaim their agency in a political system that often sidelines them? This episode is more than a political chat—it's a call to action. If you're young, concerned, and ready to shape your future, this one's for you. #BornFree #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Politics #Unemployment #GenerationNow #MGPodcasts Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Summer job postings in Canada down sharply from last year: report
Canadian youth heading into summer are facing a chill in seasonal job searches as recently released data suggests a steep decline in postings traditionally aimed at students and entry-level workers. According to Indeed Hiring Lab, which examined job postings on its host website, their numbers revealed that as of early May, Canadian summer job postings were down 22 per cent compared to last year. Brendan Bernard, senior economist with Indeed Hiring Lab, told CTV's Your Morning on May 30 what's driving this downturn. 'We're seeing a real pullback in hiring appetite since the pandemic,' he said, adding that what was once a job seeker's market in 2022 has transformed into a challenging landscape for employment, particularly for younger workers. The slowdown is backed by Statistics Canada's April 2025 Labour Force Survey, which shows that youth aged 15 to 24 experienced a net employment loss of 28,000 jobs in April alone, with most of those losses concentrated among young women and in part-time roles. According to StatCan, the youth unemployment rate sat at 11.3 per cent in April, up from 10.4 per cent the previous month. Their data also revealed that 14.1 per cent of youth within this age group were without work in April, which is more than double the Canada-wide unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent. Sectors hit hard According to Indeed's data, postings in early May were down 32 per cent compared to 2024 for summer camp roles, including counsellors, managers and leads, which accounts for 10 to 15 per cent of summer postings. Other jobs like painters, lifeguards and customer service representatives also saw a dip in the same time period as 2024. 'The Canadian youth job market has been weakening pretty steadily over the past two years, and so we need a turnaround in the economy to get things goings,' Bernard said. But Bernard says there may not be a turnaround anytime soon, with more students off and looking for work. Data showed that while the number of people aged between 15 and 24 employed in July 2024 was roughly the same as the year before, the employment rate dropped. That's because the population in that age group grew by 7.2 per cent, but job growth didn't keep pace. The job market is experiencing what Bernard describes as a 'traffic jam' of employment opportunities, as experienced workers are holding onto seasonal roles and not jumping at the next opportunity, while new entrants struggle to find their first foothold. A recent report from CTV Toronto captures the human toll as several Ontario youth describe applying to dozens of jobs with no callbacks, while others said they lowered their expectations or took unpaid positions just to gain experience. One youth described it as a 'make-or-break summer.' Hope for the future Despite the challenging landscape, Bernard offers some advice. 'A down summer job market doesn't mean no summer job market,' he emphasized, suggesting that job seekers should ask themselves what they want out of a job. 'What's the goal for this job search and what kind of job both fits the person's interests and skills? What are you good at?' he said, adding that he encourages job seekers to explore job search platforms and learn on their personal networks – like friends, classmates and family – not just to find openings but to gather advice and insights. If landing a job proves difficult, he suggests using the time to build valuable experience in other ways, such as volunteering and learning new skills. With files from CTV Toronto's Alex Arsenych
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Summer job postings in Canada down sharply from last year: report
Canadian youth heading into summer are facing a chill in seasonal job searches as recently released data suggests a steep decline in postings traditionally aimed at students and entry-level workers. According to Indeed Hiring Lab, which examined job postings on its host website, their numbers revealed that as of early May, Canadian summer job postings were down 22 per cent compared to last year. Brendan Bernard, senior economist with Indeed Hiring Lab, told CTV's Your Morning on May 30 what's driving this downturn. 'We're seeing a real pullback in hiring appetite since the pandemic,' he said, adding that what was once a job seeker's market in 2022 has transformed into a challenging landscape for employment, particularly for younger workers. The slowdown is backed by Statistics Canada's April 2025 Labour Force Survey, which shows that youth aged 15 to 24 experienced a net employment loss of 28,000 jobs in April alone, with most of those losses concentrated among young women and in part-time roles. According to StatCan, the youth unemployment rate sat at 11.3 per cent in April, up from 10.4 per cent the previous month. Their data also revealed that 14.1 per cent of youth within this age group were without work in April, which is more than double the Canada-wide unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent. Sectors hit hard According to Indeed's data, postings in early May were down 32 per cent compared to 2024 for summer camp roles, including counsellors, managers and leads, which accounts for 10 to 15 per cent of summer postings. Other jobs like painters, lifeguards and customer service representatives also saw a dip in the same time period as 2024. 'The Canadian youth job market has been weakening pretty steadily over the past two years, and so we need a turnaround in the economy to get things goings,' Bernard said. But Bernard says there may not be a turnaround anytime soon, with more students off and looking for work. Data showed that while the number of people aged between 15 and 24 employed in July 2024 was roughly the same as the year before, the employment rate dropped. That's because the population in that age group grew by 7.2 per cent, but job growth didn't keep pace. The job market is experiencing what Bernard describes as a 'traffic jam' of employment opportunities, as experienced workers are holding onto seasonal roles and not jumping at the next opportunity, while new entrants struggle to find their first foothold. A recent report from CTV Toronto captures the human toll as several Ontario youth describe applying to dozens of jobs with no callbacks, while others said they lowered their expectations or took unpaid positions just to gain experience. One youth described it as a 'make-or-break summer.' Hope for the future Despite the challenging landscape, Bernard offers some advice. 'A down summer job market doesn't mean no summer job market,' he emphasized, suggesting that job seekers should ask themselves what they want out of a job. 'What's the goal for this job search and what kind of job both fits the person's interests and skills? What are you good at?' he said, adding that he encourages job seekers to explore job search platforms and learn on their personal networks – like friends, classmates and family – not just to find openings but to gather advice and insights. If landing a job proves difficult, he suggests using the time to build valuable experience in other ways, such as volunteering and learning new skills. With files from CTV Toronto's Alex Arsenych
