The Struggle to Find Employment
In Mexico, 8 out of 10 young individuals aged between 18 and 29 face difficulties in finding employment, with 60% citing a lack of experience as their primary obstacle. Meanwhile, companies report high turnover rates among young talent and struggle to retain this valuable workforce.
Misalignment Between Job Offers and Demand
The mismatch between available jobs and those sought by young people further complicates the situation. For instance, 83% of young job seekers utilize social media platforms to find opportunities, whereas only 18% of companies use these channels to advertise job openings.
Key Challenges for Young Job Seekers
Lack of experience (60%), scheduling conflicts (47%), and age requirements (34%) are the main hurdles identified by young individuals. Conversely, companies report a shortage of soft skills and higher salary expectations than they are willing to offer, as per data from human capital firms.
Adding to these challenges are vulnerable youth groups, such as migrants and refugees, as well as those in substance abuse recovery.
World Vision Mexico’s Initiatives
Rita Andrea Gómez, coordinator of World Vision Mexico, highlighted the significant challenge in addressing the needs of these young individuals to enter the job market.
To tackle this issue, World Vision Mexico has implemented specialized programs in the services sector, aiming to equip young people with professional skills rather than merely filling vacant positions. Gómez explained, “We train our youth for six months in essential skills that will enable their professional growth and help them overcome labor challenges within the hospitality industry.”
This approach has facilitated the employment of over 1,000 young individuals, supported by various hotel chains. By 2025, an additional 41 young people will join the program, including refugees from Haiti, El Salvador, Venezuela, Somalia, and Honduras, those in substance abuse recovery, low-income youth, and those transitioning to independent living.
Last year, two cohorts graduated, benefiting over 65 participants from Mexico City and Guadalajara, with 80% securing formal employment.
Comprehensive Skill Development
“This initiative aims to equip participants with essential knowledge in key areas while fostering personal competencies such as leadership, assertive communication, and teamwork,” Gómez emphasized. “As part of an integrated model, we not only provide technical training but also strive to enhance their self-esteem, socioemotional skills, and sense of purpose.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What challenges do young job seekers in Mexico face? Young individuals struggle with a lack of experience, scheduling conflicts, and age requirements. Companies report high turnover rates and difficulties in retaining young talent.
- What is the mismatch between job offers and demand? There is a significant gap between how young people seek employment (through social media) and how companies advertise job openings.
- What initiatives are being implemented to address these challenges? World Vision Mexico has launched specialized programs in the services sector, focusing on equipping young people with essential skills and fostering their personal competencies.
- How many young individuals have benefited from these programs? Over 1,000 youth have been employed through these initiatives, with plans to include more vulnerable groups in the future.
