Lack of opportunities remain top concern for young adults entering workforce

Youth in Saskatchewan say opportunities are limited when it comes to finding a job. Sierra D’Souza Butts reports.

Although the job market is active in Saskatchewan, those early in their careers say opportunities are limited.

Fidel Prudente, who is going into his third year at the University of Regina, chose to major in political science due to his interest in community service.

“I have joined student clubs to make sure that I have connections necessary, and I have been doing my best to be involved,” Prudente said, referring to the student initiatives on campus.

Prudente also serves as the student representative for the university’s department of politics and international studies and works part-time in the fast-food industry.

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However, Prudente says there have been limited job opportunities in his field.

“I would hope that by the third year of my degree there would have been opportunities for me by being involved on campus,” he said.

“But like many others - the young students here at the university - have the same attitude and see their futures look brighter if they leave this province.”

Seeing a shortage of general entry level jobs is not unique to Prudente.

One employment agency in Canada said the job market in Saskatchewan is active in most sectors, yet positions for youth and those early in their careers remain short.

“If you’re in a high demand field, hiring is still fairly active. I think where the challenge lies is really when, if you’re earlier in your career or in more of a generalist role, it can feel like sometimes the door is closed,” explained Matt Erhard, who is the managing partner for Summit Search Group.

Erhard added that employers are more hesitant to hire young adults or people early in their careers.

“We’re also seeing that hiring is a little bit more cautious these days,” he said. “There’s a lot of economic uncertainty that shows a lot of employers want to be sure before they commit to a new hire, so timelines have stretched out too.”

The Saskatchewan NDP suggested different ways the government can help fill the gap of youth unemployment.

“Young people have that opportunity to gain those skills here, to make those connections here in Saskatchewan, to get that important piece on their resume, but also to make those connections that we’re hearing is so crucial,” Beck said.

“As I said, these are kids that are not asking for a handout. They’re asking for a chance to apply their skills.”

In May, Saskatchewan reported its unemployment rate increased to 6.2 per cent, up 1.9 per cent from May 2025. However, the province continues to have the third lowest unemployment rate in the country.