Young Quebec Men with Degrees Face High Unemployment Challenges

Young men in Quebec with university degrees are experiencing significant difficulties in securing employment, according to a study by the Institut du Québec. The research highlights that the unemployment rate for men aged 22 to 26 with a university degree reached 11.4 percent in the first seven months of 2025. This figure is notably higher than the overall unemployment rate of 9.9 percent for all men in that age group, including those without a bachelor’s degree.

The disparity becomes even more pronounced when comparing young male graduates to their female counterparts. The unemployment rate for young men with degrees is approximately 1.7 times higher than that of young women in the same demographic, which stands at 6.6 percent. The study states, “Since 2022, the unemployment rate among young university graduates has not only risen significantly, but it is also much higher among men than among women.” Notably, the unemployment rates for both genders were comparable just three years ago.

Sector Disparities and Job Market Challenges

The reasons behind the challenges faced by young male graduates are multifaceted. Emna Braham, executive director of the Institut du Québec, pointed out that the majority of jobs created in recent years have been concentrated in the health and education sectors, which tend to employ a higher percentage of women. “More than 70 percent of those employed in these sectors are women,” Braham noted, emphasizing the implications for university graduates, particularly men.

Conversely, sectors such as construction and transportation, which are more male-dominated, have not seen significant job creation and typically do not recruit as many university graduates. The stagnation in these fields further complicates the employment landscape for young men with degrees.

Concerns about an impending recession also loom large. Fabian Lange, a labour economist at McGill University, indicated that the ongoing trade crisis could worsen the job outlook for new graduates. “Individuals graduating into these recessions face worse career outcomes even five to ten years later,” he said. This trend makes it increasingly difficult for young men to secure high-paying positions and gain a foothold on the job ladder.

Long-term Value of Education

Despite the current challenges, both Braham and Lange argue that higher education continues to be a valuable long-term investment. “Demand for university graduates remains high and is continually increasing,” Braham stated. She pointed out that in 1990, there were about 25 percent more men than women graduating from university, a trend that has since reversed.

Braham expressed concern that young men might be discouraged from pursuing university education due to the challenging job market. “When the labour market signals that it isn’t rewarding to go to university, we need to intensify our efforts to ensure that young men are encouraged to pursue higher education,” she said.

The current situation underscores the importance of addressing these disparities in the job market. As the economy evolves, efforts must be made to create pathways for all graduates, particularly young men, to thrive in their chosen fields.