Calgary Youth Face 19% Unemployment: Hidden Job Market Insights

URGENT UPDATE: Calgary’s youth are grappling with a staggering 19% unemployment rate, as new reports reveal a critical situation for young job seekers. With youth unemployment across Canada soaring to levels not seen in decades, Alberta remains one of the hardest-hit provinces, compounding the urgency of the issue.

Youth Employment Centre counselor Hardeep Seeghat highlights a troubling reality: “One in five youths are getting hired or they’re currently unemployed.” This alarming statistic underscores the challenges faced by young people in Calgary as they navigate a shifting job market. In 2024, the Youth Employment Centre assisted over 37,000 youth, emphasizing the vital role they play amid rising unemployment.

As political debates over job creation policies intensify, Calgary’s youth are left to fend for themselves in a competitive landscape. Seeghat points to the diminishing opportunities, noting a 22% drop in Canadian summer job postings. The focus is shifting towards leveraging the “hidden job market,” an area where opportunities often go unnoticed.

The Youth Employment Centre is actively working to assist young job seekers by offering resume polishing, hosting job fairs, and preparing them for interviews. However, Seeghat stresses that the real key to success lies in networking. “We know for a fact that was something they were challenged with coming out of the pandemic,” she states.

Young people are encouraged to engage in conversations with parents, teachers, and peers to uncover job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. Applying solely online can be a daunting task, as Seeghat explains that resumes must be tailored to each position to pass through AI screening tools.

The pressure is on for Calgary’s youth to adapt, as the job market continues to evolve rapidly. As the city grapples with high unemployment rates, the importance of personal connections in job searching cannot be overstated.

What’s Next: As the situation develops, young Calgarians are urged to actively seek out networking opportunities and utilize resources like the Youth Employment Centre to navigate this challenging job market.

With the urgency of rising unemployment, it’s clear that finding work requires more than just submitting applications online. The hidden job market holds untapped potential, and Calgary’s youth must seize every opportunity to connect and thrive amidst these challenges.