Niagara’s youth unemployment rate has shown promising improvement, dropping to 6.8% in February 2023, well below Toronto’s 10.9% for the same period. This marks a substantial recovery from earlier pandemic numbers, when youth joblessness in the region reached as high as 13.6% for certain age groups in 2020.
Youth employment in Niagara shows remarkable recovery, outperforming Toronto with a 6.8% unemployment rate versus pandemic highs of 13.6%.
Youth, defined as those aged 15-29, make up about 18.6% of Niagara’s population. The recent unemployment figures exclude full-time students who work part-time jobs. This represents a significant portion of the region’s workforce in the St. Catharines-Niagara Census Metropolitan Area.
The pandemic hit young workers particularly hard. During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, only 33.3% of youth seeking work found employment. Another 38.1% wanted to work but couldn’t secure jobs due to pandemic effects. The remaining 28.6% weren’t interested in working during that period.
Despite recent improvements, regional data shows persistent challenges for young job seekers. Many report difficulty finding appropriate work opportunities. Limited co-op and internship options create barriers for students trying to gain experience. Many face unpredictable schedules and reduced working hours. The provincial pattern of visible minority unemployment being significantly higher (9.4% compared to 5.7% for non-visible minorities) likely compounds challenges for diverse youth in Niagara.
The shift from education to employment remains especially difficult. High competition for available positions often disadvantages entry-level applicants who lack experience. This creates a catch-22 situation for many young workers.
Niagara’s overall unemployment peaked at 5.2% in October 2022, showing that youth unemployment consistently runs higher than the general rate. This pattern aligns with provincial trends, as Ontario’s youth unemployment rate for ages 15-24 hit 16.4% in July 2024.
Youth labor force participation in Niagara hovered around 68% before the pandemic, but declined during economic disruptions. The region’s service sector, which typically employs many young workers, experienced significant shifts during this period.
While Niagara’s youth employment picture has improved compared to pandemic lows, gaps remain in job placement and skill-building opportunities. These gaps continue to present challenges for young people entering the workforce in the region.
Youth employment trends offer a window into broader economic health and future workforce readiness. As the region rebuilds, focused efforts will be needed to support long-term career development for young residents. Learn how Niagara is addressing employment challenges and opportunities on Marketplace Niagara.
