Education
Innovative solutions to addressing youth unemployment
Jul 14, 2025
As we recognize World Youth Skills Day 2025, we're called to action by a pressing challenge facing our nation's youth: the growing crisis of unemployment and underemployment. For those passionate about supporting young Canadians, particularly in their journey towards meaningful employment, the statistics paint a concerning picture that demands our immediate attention.
Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals a troubling trend: youth unemployment has been steadily rising over the past two years.
In May 2025, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15-24 reached 13%
, a significant increase from 11% in May 2023. This rate is nearly double the national average unemployment rate of 7%
. Even more alarming, underemployment among young Canadians has escalated, with 28% of employed youth reporting they are involuntarily working part-time, up from 22% two years ago
. At the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, we've observed this growing trend firsthand as we've seen a rise in grant applications from charities operating youth employment and career skills development programming. This surge in applications underscores the urgent demand for initiatives that equip young Canadians with the skills and opportunities needed to navigate an increasingly changing and competitive job market.
In response to this clear community need, we've sharpened our focus on supporting programs that address the youth unemployment and underemployment challenge, with a specific focus on underserved groups. Our commitment is to fund initiatives that not only provide immediate job opportunities but also equip youth with the skills required for long-term career success
We’re highlighting four organizations and their respective initiatives to improve youth employment opportunities in Canada - all of these incredible organizations have received grants from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation via our TELUS Community Boards in support of their work.
12 Neighbours: employment skills for the future in New Brunswick
In Fredericton, New Brunswick,
12 Neighbours
is transforming the lives of youth who have experienced homelessness through their Youth Development & Employment Training program. This initiative, born from Canadian entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun's vision, has expanded from a backyard project into a community of tiny homes aimed at eliminating chronic homelessness.After securing shelter, youth aged 18-29 are able to discover a path to a career in the digital economy. At Neighbourly Coffee for example, one of 12 Neighbours' social enterprises, youth learn to operate espresso machines, use point-of-sale systems, and interact with customers and community members. Through this hands-on experience, participants gain proficiency in digital systems and customer service while developing essential work skills. The comprehensive personal development training ensures that each participant finds employment, while building a foundation for long-term career success. This holistic approach creates a pathway from homelessness to stable employment, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging that extends far beyond the workplace.
“Before I started working, I was just passing time. Now, I wake up with something important to do. Work gives me more than a paycheck, it teaches me new skills and helps me believe in myself again.”
— Petra (pictured above), Neighbourly Ventures employee
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa: helping youth create in a digital world
Photo of the exterior of Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa’s youth drop-in centre.
The
Youth Services Bureau
(YSB) of Ottawa's NextWave Creators program, a new addition to programming at their drop-in centre, is opening doors for youth from equity-deserving backgrounds in the creative digital economy. As one of the leading youth-serving agencies in Ottawa, YSB serves thousands of young people and their families each month. Their programming provides them with the chance to learn sought-after skills for today’s creative digital economy.The NextWave Creators program provides youth aged 16-20 with resources to learn and develop comprehensive skills in digital arts and help them explore their creativity. This initiative is particularly impactful for young people in Ottawa who face numerous difficulties, including homelessness, family conflict, addictions, abuse and violence. Through immersive training in music production, photography, videography, and visual arts, youth across Ottawa develop skills in high-demand creative fields. The program provides hands-on experience with specialized software for digital art, music, photo, and video editing, equipping participants with the practical skills needed to pursue further education and careers in the creative industry.
“The YSB staff treated me with so much kindness and acceptance and they got me connected to the support I didn’t even know I needed. I’m getting the credits I need and have rediscovered how much I love art and music.”
— Mira, client of YSB of Ottawa’s drop-in centre’s arts education programming.
Inclusion Lloydminster: breaking barriers in tech and business
Inclusion Lloydminster's
Promoting Employment for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities program is creating opportunities in technology and business for youth living with cognitive challenges. This unique program spans the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, ensuring accessibility for youth regardless of their province of residence.The program provides youth aged 16-29 with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience and build fulfilling lives. What sets this initiative apart is its comprehensive support system, including a dedicated coach who accompanies participants to their new workplace for the first couple of weeks, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing success. Through tailored training and consistent support, participants develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce. The program's impact extends beyond individual employment success as it fosters a culture of inclusion and empowerment in the community and workplace. Participants experience improved social connections, enhanced quality of life, and reduced reliance on government assistance, creating positive ripple effects for both the participants and their families.
Employment coaches also work closely with employers to establish enhanced inclusive practices and build support systems within the workplace. By partnering with employers, the program helps create environments where youth of all abilities can succeed and feel valued, while also strengthening the overall culture of inclusion.
“When youth with intellectual disabilities are provided opportunities to obtain meaningful employment in organizations that value diversity and inclusion, they are able to build confidence, foster a sense of connectedness and experience personal empowerment.”
— Tami Smith, President, Inclusion Lloydminster.
Zero Ceiling: Building careers in hospitality and tourism across BC
In Whistler, British Columbia,
Zero Ceiling’s
Work 2 Live program is providing youth facing homelessness with a comprehensive pathway to careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Work 2 Live is a 12-24+ month program offering supportive employment, housing, case management, and wrap-around services. This extended support allows participants to move beyond survival mode and start building stable careers. Throughout their journey, participants develop extensive skills in customer service, hospitality, and outdoor recreation leadership. The program's comprehensive approach combines practical employment training with essential support services, including housing, life-skills development, and mental health services. Through adventure-based learning experiences, youth gain confidence and leadership abilities that prepare them for meaningful careers in the tourism industry, a sector crucial to Canada's economy.
“Get ready for character development, personal growth and setting your future self up for success. Zero Ceiling is a great place to be, to grow, learn, work, live and play. For me, I feel like I grew here as I met so many people, I made so many great friends and came such a long way. I’m really glad I did this for myself and for my future.”
— Program participant in Zero Ceiling’s Work 2 Live program
These four initiatives demonstrate the power of targeted support and skills development in transforming youth employment outcomes. By focusing on growing industries and providing hands-on experience and appropriate support, these programs are empowering underserved youth to gain valuable work experience while improving their career trajectories.
As we've seen from the alarming statistics and the surge in grant applications, the need for innovative youth employment initiatives has never been more critical. The programs we've highlighted in this article represent a beacon of hope, offering practical solutions to the complex challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment.
In honour of World Youth Skills Day, we call on businesses, governments, and communities to join us in this crucial mission. Let’s come together to invest in and empower young Canadians with the tools, experience and resources they need to gain meaningful employment and kick-start lifelong, fulfilling careers. Together, we can build a brighter future and a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow for the youth across our country.
