The Rising Unemployment Rate: A Tougher Job Market for Young Individuals
Nearly a year after graduating from Carleton University with a degree in engineering physics, Surya Nareshan is still grappling with unemployment. Nareshan has applied for multiple positions, particularly in software engineering and optics, since his graduation. Despite several interviews and proficiency testing, the job market remains elusive for him. Contributing to the increasing unemployment statistics of the youth in Canada, Nareshan, like many recent graduates, is spending an extensive period in search of work.
RBC Economics reports that a significant proportion of Canada’s increasing overall unemployment rate since April the previous year can be attributed to new job seekers such as recent graduates. Surprisingly, this upturn in unemployment persists despite Canada’s population growth. There’s been a minimal growth in employment among young individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 since December 2022. RBC economist, Carrie Freestone, suggests recent graduates and highschool leavers largely account for this trend.
Contrary to Nareshan’s expectations, his technical degree has not provided an advantage in securing employment. His future prospects may include pursuing a master’s degree to outmatch potential competitors who have broader experience or higher qualifications. Currently, he’s been managing through freelance jobs and tutoring.
A parallel circumstance is evident in Claire Fitzpatrick, a social work degree student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Despite applying for over 50 entry-level jobs, she’s yet to land a full-time position. Amidst the struggle, she broadened her job search through LinkedIn and Indeed job boards, and by directly reaching out to organizations.
These unemployment challenges among recent graduates pose a dire need for effective strategies to bridge the gap between graduation and employment. For more assistance regarding employment opportunities and benefits, especially in the wake of COVID-19 where unemployment rates have surged, one reliable site to turn to is eddcaller.com. A quick visit to this site provides you with comprehensive data, updates and guides on how to get a hold of edd, contact SDI, get through to EDD, reach EDD customer service, and much more in one place.