In a world where the job market is more competitive than ever, young people are facing a unique set of challenges. The unemployment rate among youth in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, and the economic uncertainty is only adding to the pressure. But, in the face of these challenges, there are still opportunities for young people to make the most of their summer months and stay productive. In this article, I'll explore some of the ways that young people can use the summer to their advantage, even if they haven't landed a traditional camp counsellor or table-waiting gig. From volunteering to building skills and credentials, trying entrepreneurship, and keeping the big picture in mind, there are plenty of ways for young people to stay engaged and make progress towards their goals. But, as a parent of entrepreneurial teens, I've also seen firsthand the challenges that young people face in today's job market. It's not just about finding a job; it's about finding a job that fits their skills and interests, and that will help them build a successful career. So, let's dive into some of the key points and explore how young people can make the most of their summer months, even if they haven't landed a traditional job. First, let's talk about volunteering. Volunteering is one of the best things young people can do over the summer. It's a great way to build new skills, leverage relationships, and create job opportunities for themselves. In the experience of Patrick Jabri-Iannicca, a kinesiology student entering second year at Wilfrid Laurier University, unpaid work can evolve into paid work. After helping out with a local Toronto soccer league, he was offered a coaching job and ultimately became the league's convenor. This summer, he has landed a volunteer position at a Toronto hospital, an experience that will extend the scope of his medical experience beyond the world of sports. But volunteering is not just about the individual benefits; it's also about the impact it can have on the community. Many non-profits and community agencies rely on volunteers, and organizations such as Volunteer Canada offer searchable databases to help people connect with local opportunities. So, if you're a young person looking for a way to make a difference in your community, volunteering is a great place to start. Next, let's talk about building skills and credentials. Provincial and municipal governments generally offer free employment and training services for young people, as do non-profits such as the YMCA, Young Achievement Canada, and Youth Employment Services (YES). Through a range of online learning modules and in-person workshops, youth can learn about financial literacy, investment strategies, and job application skills. The YMCA also offers a six-week program that connects 16- and 17-year-olds with paid work opportunities across Canada. Applications for the Summer Work Student Exchange close in early June. Many public libraries also offer support for job seekers. The Toronto Public Library has a Career Coaches in Residence program, which offers regular online workshops as well as the opportunity to meet personally with one of its three career coaches. So, if you're a young person looking to build your skills and credentials, there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed. Now, let's talk about trying entrepreneurship. If paid work can't be found, it can sometimes be created. The prospective bin-cleaners that came to my door - who were both business students entering second year at Wilfrid Laurier University - told me that last summer, they offered themselves as downsizers and movers to older residents in their neighbourhood and found considerable demand. One of them had taken his résumé up and down the local main street and been hired by a gift shop that needed to develop a website and didn't know where to start. Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada), a youth education organization with 15 offices across the country, offers online modules on all aspects of entrepreneurship. According to Jennifer James, vice-president of programs and charter services, participants learn how to build business plans, pitch ideas, identify target markets and competition, set prices, and grow market share. "We want to help youth to build an entrepreneurial mindset," she says. "Canada needs more businesses built in Canada for Canada." But entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it's also about developing the skills and mindset that will help young people succeed in any career they choose. So, if you're a young person looking to explore your entrepreneurial side, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Finally, let's talk about keeping the big picture in mind. Public policy expert and managing director of the Canadian Shield Institute Vass Bednar stresses the importance of contextualizing the challenges of the current job market for young people. "They have to understand that they're entering a labour market that has been revolutionized by an early-stage technology," she says, "and that the situation has been compounded by a trade war." She encourages young people with specific professional goals to not disparage service or blue-collar jobs, which will probably serve as mandatory stepping stones to the work they really want - and learning experiences in their own right. Likewise, career coach Shenelle Payne Cuffy is constantly reminding young people that the employment challenges they face do not reflect personal failings. "They tend to take it personally," she says. "They need to know that this market is a really tough one to crack. And that they're playing the long game." So, if you're a young person feeling overwhelmed by the job market, remember that you're not alone. There are plenty of resources and opportunities available to help you succeed, and by staying engaged and making the most of your summer months, you can position yourself for success in the years to come.
