Youth unemployment is a pressing issue in Calgary, Canada, with Statistics Canada reporting a youth unemployment rate of 13.5 percent in June 2024. This figure is the highest since September 2014, excluding the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Beyond mere unemployment, the problem extends to underemployment, where young graduates often take up roles that do not align with their educational background or passions, such as working in food service despite holding degrees. Effectively addressing both unemployment and underemployment is crucial not only for the well-being of young individuals but also for the broader economic health of Calgary.
The Role of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) provides a viable solution to youth unemployment and underemployment by offering students real-world experience while they pursue their academic education. WIL encompasses a variety of opportunities such as internships, co-ops, practicums, community service learning, field placements, and project-based learning. These diverse experiences are essential for students to develop professional skills that are in high demand in today’s job market.
Internships and co-ops specifically stand out as opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while still completing their degree programs. This early exposure to professional environments equips students with the skills and knowledge that employers highly value, thereby easing the transition from academia to the workforce. The practical experience gained through WIL ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also possess a competitive edge that makes them highly employable.
TalentED YYC: Bridging the Gap
Launched in 2023 by Calgary Work Integrated Learning (Calgary WIL), TalentED YYC serves as a vital link between post-secondary institutions and employers. This collaborative platform involves seven post-secondary institutions, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, all championed by Calgary Economic Development. The goal is to create a streamlined pathway for students to gain critical work experience that complements their academic studies.
TalentED YYC operates through a virtual portal where employers can post job opportunities, which are then communicated to partner post-secondary institutions. The platform also provides employers with guidance on wage subsidies and other resources aimed at supporting the onboarding and development of students. This structured approach ensures a continuous supply of relevant opportunities for students while allowing businesses to find suitable talent efficiently. The initiative stands as a robust model for fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry players, benefiting both sectors.
Early Success and Industry Engagement
From February 2023 to June 2024, nearly 1,000 employers engaged with TalentED YYC, generating more than 1,900 WIL opportunities. This early success highlights the platform’s effectiveness and the positive industry response to integrating experiential learning into talent acquisition strategies. The growth in the number of engaged employers and opportunities created signifies how WIL can address the pressing issue of youth unemployment through structured, real-world experience.
One significant trend identified through these engagements is the increasing necessity for deeper collaboration between educational institutions and industries. TalentED YYC exemplifies how such collaboration can provide a structured approach that yields mutual benefits for both students and employers. For students, it means acquiring critical work experience that enriches their academic learning and enhances their employability. For employers, it offers access to a talent pool of individuals who come prepared with the relevant skills and professional readiness required to contribute effectively from the very start of their careers.
Participant Feedback and Professional Growth
Feedback from student participants, such as public relations student Maddie Murch, underscores the significant positive impact of WIL experiences. Maddie shared that her internships through TalentED YYC substantially contributed to her professional growth and self-confidence. Each internship allowed her to apply her classroom knowledge in real-world settings, thereby expanding her skill set and boosting her confidence in her professional abilities.
These testimonials are concrete examples of how WIL programs like TalentED YYC can effectively prepare students for their future careers. The structured pathways for skill development provided by these programs enable students to transition seamlessly from academic environments to the professional world, better equipped and more confident in their capabilities. The feedback from participants reinforces the importance of practical experience in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional readiness.
The Future of Work-Integrated Learning in Calgary
Youth unemployment is a critical issue in Calgary, Canada. Statistics Canada recorded a youth unemployment rate of 13.5 percent in June 2024, marking the highest level since September 2014, aside from the anomalous years of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. However, the issue is not confined to just unemployment. Underemployment is also a prevalent concern, as many young graduates find themselves in positions that do not reflect their educational qualifications or aspirations. For instance, there are numerous cases where individuals with degrees are working in food service, an industry unrelated to their field of study.
Addressing both unemployment and underemployment is of paramount importance. These challenges not only impact the personal and professional growth of the younger demographic but also exert a broader influence on Calgary’s overall economic health. Programs aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment, such as internships and targeted job placements, could be highly beneficial. Creating a supportive ecosystem for young professionals will not only enhance their well-being but will also drive economic prosperity for the city.
