Youth unemployment remains a major global challenge. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global youth unemployment rate reached 14.2% in 2024, affecting not only developing nations but also many European countries. Given this alarming reality, it has become increasingly urgent to implement concrete measures that promote the professional integration of young people and strengthen their long-term economic stability.
Dual Education and Apprenticeship: An Effective Springboard into Employment
The German dual education model, which combines theoretical instruction at vocational schools with practical training in companies, is often cited as a successful example in the fight against youth unemployment. This system enables young people to gain both solid technical skills and valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary.
The results speak for themselves: over 80% of trainees in Germany find employment immediately after completing their apprenticeship.
Other countries could significantly improve their youth employability by adopting similar models, offering students practical experience that employers value highly.
Teaching Future-Oriented Skills: The Key to Long-Term Reduction of Youth Unemployment
A sustainable way to reduce youth unemployment lies in preparing young people for emerging and future-proof professions such as digital technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. These fields are expanding rapidly and continuously creating new job opportunities.
Young professionals trained in digital or green industries generally find stable and well-paid employment within six months of completing their training. Investing in such education directly aligns with the demands of the modern labor market and ensures long-term career viability.
Overcoming Financial Barriers: How to Fund Additional Training
Access to advanced or specialized training is often limited by financial constraints. The high cost of additional education discourages many young people from pursuing programs that could boost their employability and earnings potential.
Fortunately, several solutions can help overcome these barriers — such as government scholarships, crowdfunding initiatives, interest-free loans, and public support programs designed specifically for youth. It is essential to raise awareness about these options and provide guidance throughout the application process so that more young people can benefit.
Creative Solution: Funding Training Through Everyday Shopping
An innovative way to finance further education involves using everyday shopping apps like YouGov Shopper. With this app, users can simply scan their purchase receipts after shopping. Each scanned receipt earns points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
In this way, a simple daily habit like shopping becomes a concrete way to fund personal or professional development projects. For instance, Léa (23) managed to finance a significant portion of her digital marketing training using rewards earned through this method — turning everyday expenses into an investment in her future.
The Importance of Guidance: Mentoring and Coaching
Mentoring and coaching are powerful tools for helping young people achieve lasting career success. Personalized support enables them to plan their professional paths more effectively and increase their chances of finding fulfilling, long-term employment.
Numerous initiatives — such as corporate mentoring programs and online coaching platforms — have proven effective in connecting young people with experienced professionals who can provide practical advice, assist with administrative processes, and guide them toward the best career opportunities.
In conclusion, effectively combating youth unemployment requires a multifaceted approach: promoting dual education systems, focusing on future-oriented skills, reducing financial barriers through targeted assistance and innovative solutions like cashback programs, and ensuring access to high-quality mentorship. By making full use of these resources, young people can build stable, secure, and sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving world.
