Youth unemployment across Canada has risen steadily since 2022, and Alberta is no exception.
- Alberta’s youth labour force is the fastest growing segment of the province’s population. A growing population means more competition for jobs.
- Rising inflation and global trade tariffs have slowed the economy, and young workers have borne the brunt. As the saying goes, young people are often “last hired, first fired.”
- Young people often find their first jobs in retail, hospitality, and food service. These industries are among the first to feel the effects of economic slowdown. Many have cut hours and reduced hiring.
- Sectors that are still hiring may require more experience than young people can offer. It’s the age-old paradox—you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job.
- Young people may lack the communication and problem-solving skills that employers expect even for entry-level jobs—skills workers often develop through experience.
- Automation and AI are reshaping industries and gig work is replacing traditional jobs. Entry-level positions once filled by young people are being restructured or cut.
Statistics Canada reports that the unemployment rate for Albertans aged 15 to 24 with a high school diploma averaged 16% in the first 9 months of 2025, reaching over 20% in July. Unemployment among teens aged 15 to 19 and youth up to 24 years without a high school diploma was higher.
The unemployment situation is different in different parts of Alberta
Studies often show that unemployment is higher in small towns and rural areas, where there are fewer jobs than in major cities. But in Alberta, unemployment rates are about 1 percentage point higher in Calgary and Edmonton than elsewhere.
This reflects an ongoing population boom in Alberta, largely due to migration from other provinces and countries. Newcomers often settle in cities because that’s where the jobs are. Even when the economy is booming, it can take time for employers to create enough jobs to keep up with the growing population.
This trend gets worse during an economic downturn, and young jobseekers feel it most. When the labour market is flush with workers who bring years of education, training, and experience, employers naturally hire them first. But this means young people are the last to be hired—and the first to be let go when the economy slows down.
A look on the bright side
It’s true that the job market is tight, but it’s also full of opportunities. Today’s employers seek creative, proactive, adaptable, and technically sophisticated people who can grow with their organizations. Growing up as digital natives, young people are comfortable with technology and have a values-driven mindset that companies are looking for.
So don’t lose hope. Be strategic about your job search. When you think creatively, make your own opportunities, learn to be flexible, and be persistent, you are building the same skills that make employers want to hire you.
Tips for finding work in a tough job market
Be Strategic
You can’t do anything about trade tariffs and the slow economy. But economic slowdowns affect different job markets in different ways. Being strategic about your job search can give you an important edge.
Understand the job market
Economies grow and contract in cycles and labour demands change with those cycles. It’s important to keep an eye on trends and use labour market information. Find out what industries are hiring, what skills and training employers are seeking, what sectors are expected to grow, what jobs will be in demand, and what new jobs are emerging.
Start with the Occ info section on alis. Search the occupational profiles for information on educational requirements, wages and salaries, job duties, working conditions, and more. Filter for “Emerging Occupations” in the category menu. Or check the 3- and 5-year forecasts for any of the listed careers.
What’s happening in Alberta’s industry sectors?
From January to September 2025, the highest unemployment rates for Albertans aged 15 to 24 were in finance (74.2%), agriculture (36%), and wholesale trade (30.3%). By comparison, overall unemployment in these sectors was 3.6%, 10.1%, and 3.3%. That huge gap tells us these sectors are hiring experienced workers, not youth.
As well, Alberta’s occupational outlook for 2021 to 2030 predicts labour surpluses in retail, real estate, finance, automotives, and administration. So, these too will not be the best sectors for your job search.
In contrast, the lowest unemployment rates for Alberta youth were in accommodation and food services (5.8%), construction (7.8%), and health care (8.1%). And labour shortages are expected in construction, health, education, and computer programming. Focus your efforts there.
Make a plan
Having a plan helps you act with intention and increases your chances for success. Here are some steps to follow when planning your search.
- Based on your market research, decide which of the promising job sectors best match your skills and interests.
- Consider what kind of work environment you prefer and what values you expect your employer to model.
- Identify where you’ll look for work. Start with job banks and job boards. Connect with employers at job fairs. Search the internet and social media. Register with an employment agency.
- Set long- and short-term goals for your job search and your career—then be flexible. Maybe a low-paying, part-time job can help you earn an income now and build skills you’ll use in the long term. Or maybe taking 2 part-time jobs will double your opportunities for learning, networking, and references.
- Get organized. Set a schedule and deadlines for your job search. Create a system to record what you’ll do, who you’ll contact, and when you’ll do it. Checking things off a list can feel satisfying, so it becomes a part of self-care.
Good planning needs good research
Learn all you can about prospective employers. Arrange an informational interview with someone who works there. Find out if this company will be a good fit for you. If so, ensure you’re top of mind when an opportunity arises.
Use your networks
Networking can help you find a mentor, get career advice, and tap into the hidden job market. About 70% of jobs are filled by people who heard about them through professional networks, friends, family members, or community contacts.
Build your skills while you look for work
Having the right knowledge and skills can get you hired, but building a successful career demands continual learning. Make a plan for ongoing upskilling, and start now.
For example, earn a micro-credential by signing up for free or low-cost courses. Try online platforms like Udemy or Coursera, or check out local colleges and universities for less formal learning programs.
Look for internships, freelance gigs, and volunteer opportunities. These can help you build skills, gain experience, and network at the same time.
Use the resources in your community
Alberta’s Employment and Training Services Directory lists free employment and training programs to help people access skill training and find jobs. Select “Youth” as the client type to generate a list of programs across the province.
For example, Calgary’s Youth Employment Centre provides free career and employment services. It also offers free industry training for youth to earn certificates such as standard first aid and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
Stand out from the crowd
At times like this, it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. You can do this by building skills others don’t have across a variety of disciplines. Employers value cross-sector experience and skills like performance measurement, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. They also look for “learning agility,” which means you can learn new skills, use new tools, and adapt to the unknown.
But having amazing skills is not enough. First, you have to get an interview. This means writing a standout resumé and cover letter that sell your skills and position you as the best candidate. Then, you need to ace your job interview. Do your homework, practise your delivery, dress for success, and follow up with a thank you.
Stay Cool
Finding a job takes time, especially when you’re a young, inexperienced underdog in a sluggish economy. Persistence is key.
Be flexible. Stay positive. Set realistic expectations. Learn from your disappointments.
And take care of yourself. Looking for work is stressful, and repeated rejections can be hard to take. Practise healthy self-care to manage your stress.
Start by eating right and getting enough exercise and sleep but also lean on friends and loved ones who can help you stay positive. And reach out for professional help if you need it. Here are some options:
- Kickstand offers free therapy and mental health support (including support for substance use issues) to Alberta youth aged 11 to 30.
- Kids Help Phone offers Canada-wide e-mental health services for youth. Call toll-free: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
- The YMCA’s Y Mind offers a free, 7-week mental wellness program for young people aged 13 to 30. It’s available in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Wood Buffalo.
- Alberta’s Mental Health Help Line provides support, information, and referrals—24/7, 365 days a year. Call toll-free: 1-877-303-2642