Young people lack job skills

The majority of Canadians—66%—believe there is a need for more investment in skilled trades and internship programs, finds a survey by Pathways to Education Canada.

By Staff | September 18, 2013 | Last updated on September 18, 2013

1 min read

The majority of Canadians—66%—believe there is a need for more investment in skilled trades and internship programs, finds a survey by Pathways to Education Canada.

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And 54% of those surveyed also believe youth aren’t even moderately prepared to meet the needs of the emerging job market.

Canadians want greater investment in mentorship areas to help prepare youth for the job market, with 66% citing a need for apprenticeship programs and skilled trades, and 42% citing a need for employment internship programs. Further, 38% of those surveyed wanted more vocational skills.

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“There is a mismatch between the skills being learned by today’s youth and the skills needed for Canada’s growing industries,” says David Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Pathways to Education Canada.

“One of the best ways for students to leverage what they learn in school is participation in internship or mentoring programs, particularly when hands-on experience is increasingly demanded by employers,” he added.