Youth who are Facing
Barriers to Employment

Youth with barriers to the labour market have decreased success rates in their labour market participation. These youth face greater risk of unemployment and/or underemployment than youth who either do not have these barriers or who have support systems in place.

The following list represents some of the barriers that may reduce the success of youth in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining a job. Again, please note that this is not an exclusive list.

• Aboriginals
• Contact with justice, child or social assistance systems
• Early School Leavers
• Health, drug and/or alcohol-related problems
• Homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless
• Low levels of literacy
• Persons with disabilities
• Residence in a rural or remote location
• Single (lone) parents
• Street involvement, i.e. prostitution, gangs, etc
• Visible or ethnic minority

As it is outlined in "Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians" there is an ever-increasing demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce in today's knowledge-based economy. Canada's workforce will grow at much slower rate than in the past, and our future labour supply will not be adequate to meet the demands of the economy. As a result, the government is trying to mobilise all employment ready groups, including youth with barriers, to help them increase their employability skills to compete successfully in the labour markets of the 21st century.

To this end, various employment services are offered to youth who are facing these barriers or who lack attachment to the labour market. To obtain more information and details regarding programs and services that are available for youth facing barriers to the workplace, please contact your local Human Resource Centre of Canada.