Recent data from the Institut du Québec (IDQ) reveals that young men with university degrees are bearing the brunt of economic challenges in Quebec. According to the report, the unemployment rate among young male university graduates stands at 11.4%, nearly double that of their female counterparts at 6.6%. This disparity is also evident when comparing them to all young men aged 22-26, whose unemployment rate is 9.9%.
The job market has been particularly tough for young individuals seeking their first employment opportunities, with men facing a more significant struggle, as highlighted by IDQ President and CEO Emna Braham.
The report points out that a significant portion of job growth in recent years has been in sectors like health and education, which typically employ more female university graduates. Conversely, male-dominated industries such as transportation and construction have been hit hard by economic downturns.
Despite these challenges, female university graduates still face wage disparities compared to their male counterparts, earning 9% less on average. However, pursuing a university education remains highly beneficial for women, with hourly rates for female bachelor’s degree holders aged 22-26 being 35% higher than those with a high school education, compared to a 25% gap for young men in similar situations.
Braham expressed concerns that young men may be deterred from pursuing higher education due to the current job market uncertainties. However, she emphasized the long-term benefits of a university degree for both men and women, highlighting the significant earning potential and increased adaptability to technological changes in the workplace.
While the challenges faced by young Quebecers in the job market are complex, experts suggest that economic uncertainties, rather than just advancements in artificial intelligence, play a more significant role in these difficulties.
