Demographic Profile

Young workers, 15 – 24 years, experienced higher rates of unemployment than those aged 25 and over. (13.6% versus 5.9% for workers over 25). This condition exists at the same time employers in certain sectors are reporting shortages of labour. Many youth have education qualifications but no experience in the workplace. Some go on to advanced degrees and still do not have the mix of skills employers are seeking when they shift to the labour market.

Employers can ease the school-to-work transition and get more of the right skill mix when hiring new graduates by providing work experience for students and collaborating with the education system at all levels to ensure it is aware of new technology adopted in the workplace and the new skills it will require. As new jobs and new careers are born and others become obsolete, the system (educators, government that provides the funding and employers) needs to keep pace, or programs should be ready at least 4 years in advance to ease further labour market shortages and enable students to be aligned and be at the right career place at the right time in the future.

The Talent Pool, with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce annually organizes a career show where young people (among others) can meet face to face with post secondary educators and employers providing career information including the preparation required. Career Practitioners and Career Counsellors participate in linking the show with high schools and students. See Career Show or www.thecareershow.ca.