Young Quebec Men Face Job Market Struggles Despite Degrees

Young men in Quebec with university degrees are encountering increasing difficulties in securing employment, according to a recent study by the Institut du Québec. The report reveals that the unemployment rate for young men aged 22 to 26 holding a university degree reached 11.4 percent in the first seven months of 2025. This figure surpasses the overall unemployment rate of 9.9 percent for all men in that age group, including those without a bachelor’s degree.

The disparity is particularly striking when comparing male graduates to their female counterparts. The unemployment rate for young men with degrees is 1.7 times higher than for young women in the same age bracket, which stands at 6.6 percent. The study highlights a significant shift since 2022, indicating that the job market has become increasingly challenging for young male graduates, while the unemployment rates for both genders were comparable three years ago.

Sector Trends and Job Availability

What factors are contributing to this trend? Emna Braham, executive director of the Institut du Québec, notes that most new job opportunities have emerged in the health and education sectors, which predominantly hire women. “Over 70 percent of employees in these sectors are women,” Braham explained, emphasizing that these fields also attract a large number of university graduates.

In contrast, sectors such as construction and transportation, which tend to employ more men, have not seen significant job growth in recent years. This mismatch in job creation and gender representation in various fields is a core issue affecting young men with degrees.

Compounding these challenges, Fabian Lange, a labour economist at McGill University, warned that an “ongoing trade crisis” could lead to a recession, further complicating the job landscape for new graduates. “Individuals graduating during recessions often experience poorer career outcomes, making it harder for them to secure high-paying positions even years later,” Lange stated.

Long-Term Implications for Graduates

Despite the current difficulties, Braham cautions against discouraging young men from pursuing university education. She acknowledges that while unemployment rates for university graduates typically decline with economic recovery, the pressing concern remains that young men may opt out of higher education due to the challenging job market.

Employers are also exhibiting caution, with Braham noting that uncertainties related to tariffs and economic conditions are leading to reluctance in hiring new graduates. “Companies are hesitant to take on new hires when they are unsure of the economic outlook,” she said.

Is obtaining a university degree still a worthwhile investment? Both Braham and Lange agree that higher education remains beneficial in the long run. “Demand for university graduates is strong and continues to grow,” Braham asserted. She pointed out a significant demographic shift since 1990, where men outnumbered women in university graduation rates, a trend that has now reversed.

“There is an opportunity to improve the situation for young men seeking higher education,” Braham added. “When the labour market suggests that a university degree may not pay off, it is crucial to ensure that young men have access to the best educational experiences available.”

As the landscape evolves, stakeholders must address these disparities to foster a more equitable job market for all graduates, ensuring that higher education continues to serve as a viable pathway to employment.