In May, according to provincial statistics, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 was 10.3%, compared to 9.0% last month.
Government statistics indicate that there have been two opposing trends, namely an increase in the labor force of 2,200 people and a fall in the number of available jobs of 3,600.
This situation increases competition between young people looking for work and Zach McDevitta university student, describes his job search as stressful
.
It’s hard to balance work and studies, so I was hoping to work a lot during the summer and earn money, but it’s hard and I can’t find a job.
Ikvir Chahal, also a student, secured a summer internship after applying to about 50 jobs online since September.
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In May, employment for all ages increased in Victoria by 4.1 per cent, while falling by 1.1 per cent in Vancouver. (File photo)
Photo : Radio-Canada / ALEXANDRE LAMIC
It’s really discouraging. It really takes a lot of willpower to continue applying because you tell yourself it’s better to give up.
he lamented.
Higher requirements
Rosie Forth works as a coordinator for Drive Youth Employment Servicea program that offers services for young people looking for jobs.
She says employers have higher requirements
.
There are no more entry-level positions, employers are looking for at least seven months of experience, or even a year or two for a cashier or warehouse position.
she added.
According to the coordinator, rising costs and inflation have made hiring more difficult for small businesses and automation and e-commerce have reduced opportunities in the retail sector.
Bygone era
Young people who could have entered the job market a few years ago are not seeing the same opportunities available to them.
she observed.
She adds that the days of walking into a company and being hired on the spot are almost gone, as many companies only accept online applications.
This is confirmed by Akshainee Choytun, a student at Simon Fraser University, who went to distribute her CV in stores in a shopping center.
All the people told me […] that I had to apply online, and that we didn’t do anything with printed CVs
In May 2023, the youth unemployment rate was almost the same level as that of May 2024, at 10.1%.
With information from Michelle Gomez and Yann Lacoste
