High Levels of Youth Unemployment
Youth in Toronto aged 15-24 currently face an unemployment rate that is much higher than that of adults. Their labour market participation rate is only 58% - a rate that is almost 10% less than that of adults (Source: City of Toronto). This is most evident in the "inner suburbs" and the downtown core. In addition, high levels of illiteracy and lack of numeracy are also prevalent in the youth population in these areas.
Toronto remains a magnet for youth. In Toronto Community Foundation's report "Vital Signs" they found that the unemployment rate in June 2009 for 15-24 year old's rose to 20.1% up from 15.3% in June 2008 (Source: CMA and Economic Region, 2008-20090, monthly, 3 month moving average).
Although many factors contribute to this increase, such as the recent economic recession, TWIG has identified the following issues affecting youth's participation in the labour market.
- Many youth do not have adequate information on how to access career development services to help them choose the best paths to a prosperous work-life.
- Information about apprenticeship programs is not widely available to employers or potential apprentices and, although shortages of skilled trades people are predicted, employers are not hiring apprentices
- Youth who leave school early are over represented in low skilled jobs
- There is a "mis-match" or gap between employer's expectations for first or entry-level jobs and youth's qualifications making it more difficult to get the "first job".
The above issues were identified based on consultations with: City of Toronto Youth Employment Partnerships, Social Services Toronto, Toronto District School Board, Youth Job developers and Youth Employment Services.
