For young people who have not found a summer job — or worse, have not started looking for one — there is some good news. There still are jobs out there for high-schoolers about to have two months of free time or university students looking for extra income.
Expert Advice: Any Job Is a Good Job
Timothy Lang, president and CEO of YES (Youth Employment Services) since 2015, knows the situation from multiple perspectives. YES is a Canadian charitable organization that offers free job counseling, training and job placement, and helps employers connect with youth. Lang is also a father to a 19-year-old son who had to look for employment.
“My own son is in this age bracket and had trouble getting work and finally got part-time work dishwashing, while he also found (work at) a stonework and patio company,” Lang wrote in an email conversation. “Because many youth can only get part-time work, it is normal to get two jobs like my son. Sometimes not what people expect and certainly hard work, but this goes a long way in building one’s experience, resume and, above all, their self-esteem.”
“Any job is a good job these days and can lead to growth within the organization or in other areas,” Lang added.
Youth Unemployment Remains Stubbornly High
According to Statistics Canada’s labour force survey from May, while Canada’s overall unemployment rate fell to 6.6%, the unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 24 was 13.4%. Lang advised young job-seekers to stay positive.
“Starting job search early is always important, but if starting late, it is never too late,” Lang wrote. “There are still jobs available and it’s important to cast a wide net, talk to your network or friends and follow up with any online submissions to try to reach the hiring manager. And definitely leverage the free resources in every community in Canada, like ours.”
Technology Transforms the Job Search
The technology available today has affected the job search. Lang said most employers want candidates to apply online. While technology also has changed the type of jobs available — and Lang mentions that YES provides digital badges in areas such as cloud, cyber, AI and the green economy — he also confirmed that there are opportunities in traditional summer jobs in areas such as hospitality, retail, parks and landscaping.
Leverage Local Contacts and Government Programs
While online applications are prevalent, job-seekers should not rely solely on them. A recent report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that 62% of small businesses recruit through referrals and trusted networks.
“This underscores the importance of taking a well-rounded approach when looking for a summer job,” Marie-Claude Chiasson, a senior communications adviser with Employment and Social Development Canada, wrote in an email conversation. “Young people should be open to exploring multiple avenues by sharing their job search with friends and family, reaching out to employers they already know (such as local businesses they frequent or community contacts) and actively using online tools and platforms.”
The federal government’s Job Bank website is an available resource. In addition, the Canada Summer Jobs program provides eligible employers with wage subsidies for people aged 15 to 30 who are eligible to work in Canada. Summer jobs are posted until July 20 on the Job Bank website. The Ontario government’s Summer Company program offers startup money and mentorship, but applications closed on May 15. Various programs connected to the City of Toronto are listed on the government’s website.
Make Your Own Job or Work at the CNE
If a young job-seeker notices demand for a certain service in their community, starting a business — such as dog-walking, car-washing, or tech assistance — is an option. The Canadian National Exhibition also hires for 18 consecutive days at the end of summer, with positions like costume character or EXpress train driver still advertised. Canadian entertainer Samantha Bee’s resume includes performances as Sailor Moon at the CNE in 1996.
