In Ontario, the job market for students isn’t what it used to be. Every summer, students flock to part-time jobs to help pay tuition, cover living expenses, or simply save up for the next semester. But this year, the process feels different. Fewer places are hiring, and those that are, often expect more experience than anyone—especially students—can offer.
This mismatch between what employers want and what students can offer is creating a sense of frustration.
Isabella Martino, a student at Durham College, expresses the frustration many students are feeling:
“The most random job postings I’ve applied for and heard nothing back. I’ve gotten maybe two messages out of like 50 resumes I’ve submitted saying we’re not interested,” she said.
Martino’s experience is far from unique. The rising unemployment rates among students are underscoring the struggle, particularly for younger age groups, who are finding it even harder to land a job.
According to Statistics Canada, between May and August 2024, the unemployment rate for students aged 15 to 24 jumped to 16.7 per cent, up from 12.9 per cent in 2023. This marks the highest rate since 2012, excluding the pandemic-driven spike in 2020.
And it’s not just students overall who are struggling—it’s the younger age groups that are feeling the hardest hit. For those aged 15 to 16, the unemployment rate climbed to 27 per cent. Students aged 17 to 19 saw a rise to nearly 18 per cent, while older students, aged 20 to 24, faced an increase to 11.1 per cent.
Addi Walsh reflects the struggles many students encounter in their search for employment:
“Finding a job in Ontario is incredibly tough because it feels like no matter how many resumes you send out, employers just ignore you or overlook you and tell you to apply online” she said.
With fewer opportunities and more job seekers competing for them, more needs to be done at the government level to address the increasing strain on the labour market, ensure economic stability and create policies that promote long-term job growth. Without proactive intervention, the gap between supply and demand for jobs will continue to widen, making it even harder for individuals to secure stable employment.
“The Ontario government should invest more time and money into actually getting more jobs for students,” Walsh adds.
This kind of systemic change could be a lifeline for many who are struggling to break into the workforce.
Despite all these challenges, the demand for student workers remains strong. While competition is fierce, many students are holding on to hope that things might improve as the season shifts.
Lucy Romao Vandepol, Director of Student and Career Development at Durham College, highlights the Career Development Office as an essential resource for students and alumni. The office offers personalized support in areas such as career exploration, skill assessments, job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation and networking.
It also helps students create career plans with clear goals and provides guidance on further education options. Through the Hired Portal, students and alumni can access job postings, career coaching, event sign-ups, job fairs, and helpful resources like labour market insights and LinkedIn tips.
These tools help students navigate the competitive job market and successfully pursue their career goals.
As students continue to face the toughest job market in years, the path to employment may seem daunting. Yet, with persistence and the right support, opportunities can still be found. The Career Development Office at Durham College, with its range of services and resources, provides students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of job searching.
While the future of the job market remains uncertain, students are holding onto hope that improvements will come—and that, with the right guidance and effort, they will succeed in finding meaningful work.