quebec’s Young Male University Graduates Face Unexpected Job Market Challenges
Table of Contents
Montreal, Quebec – A new study reveals a concerning trend: young men with university degrees in Quebec are experiencing disproportionately high unemployment rates. The findings,released by the Institut du Québec,highlight a growing disparity in the province’s labour market,raising questions about the value of higher education for young men and the future of quebec’s workforce.
Rising Unemployment Among Young Male Graduates
according to the Institut du Québec’s research, the unemployment rate among men aged twenty-two to twenty-six with a university degree reached 11.4 percent in the first seven months of 2025. This contrasts with an overall unemployment rate of 9.9 percent for all men in the same age group. Notably, the unemployment rate for young men with a degree is 1.7 times higher than that of their female counterparts, who experience an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent.
“As 2022, the unemployment rate among young university graduates has not only risen considerably, but it is indeed also much higher among men than among women,” the study states, adding that the rates were comparable just three years prior.
Did You Know? The gap in unemployment rates between young male and female university graduates in Quebec has widened significantly since 2022, reversing a previous trend of similar rates.
Sectoral Shifts and Gender Imbalance
Emna Braham, executive director of the Institut du Québec, attributes the disparity to recent job growth concentrated in sectors traditionally dominated by women. “most jobs created in recent years were in the health and education sectors,” Braham explained. “Those are two sectors that recruit overwhelmingly more women-more than 70 percent of employees in those sectors are women, and they also actively recruit university graduates.”
Conversely, male-dominated fields like construction and transportation have seen limited job creation in the past three years and typically require fewer university degrees. This creates a mismatch between the skills of many young male graduates and the available employment opportunities.
| Demographic | Unemployment Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Men (22-26) | 9.9% |
| Men (22-26) with University Degree | 11.4% |
| Women (22-26) | 6.6% |
Economic Headwinds and long-Term Concerns
Fabian Lange,an economics professor at McGill University,warns that ongoing global trade tensions could exacerbate the problem,perhaps triggering a recession. “Individuals graduating into these recessions…have a harder time landing high-paying jobs and getting their careers off the ground,” Lange stated. This aligns with research from the National Bureau of Economic Research, which demonstrates that graduates entering a recessionary period face lasting negative impacts on their earnings potential (NBER Working Paper 26949).
Braham expressed concern that the difficulty in finding employment could discourage young men from pursuing university education. “Employers, seeing the risks of tariffs, are reluctant to hire, unsure of the economic outlook,” she said.
Pro Tip: Consider exploring internships and networking opportunities during your university studies to gain practical experience and improve your job prospects.
Is a University Degree Still worth It?
Despite the current challenges, both Braham and Lange maintain that higher education remains a valuable long-term investment. “Demands for university graduates are high and continue to increase,” Braham asserted. She noted a significant shift in university enrollment since 1990, when men outnumbered women by around 25 percent. Today, that gap has reversed.
“There is room for improvement in ensuring that young men who want to pursue university education have the prospect to do so,” Braham added. “when the labor market signals that a university degree doesn’t pay off, we must redouble our efforts to provide the best possible educational experience.”
What steps can be taken to address the gender imbalance in job creation and ensure equitable opportunities for all graduates? How can universities adapt their programs to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the Quebec labor market?
The challenges faced by young male university graduates in Quebec reflect broader trends in the global labor market, including the increasing importance of skills-based hiring and the impact of automation on conventional industries. The shift towards a knowledge-based economy requires continuous learning and adaptation,and universities must play a crucial role in preparing students for these changes. Moreover, government policies aimed at promoting diversification and innovation can definitely help create new employment opportunities across a wider range of sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is causing the high unemployment rate for young male university graduates in Quebec? Sectoral shifts favoring female-dominated industries and broader economic uncertainties are key factors.
- Is a university degree still a good investment in Quebec? Experts say yes, despite current challenges, a degree generally leads to higher lifetime earnings.
- What sectors are currently hiring university graduates in Quebec? Health and education are experiencing the most significant growth in demand for graduates.
- What can young men do to improve their job prospects? Gaining practical experience through internships and networking are crucial steps.
- What is the Institut du Québec’s role in addressing this issue? The institute conducts research and provides data-driven insights to inform policy decisions.
We hope this article provides valuable insight into the challenges facing young professionals in Quebec. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
