Improving the performance of youth on the labour market is a crucial challenge in OECD countries facing persistent youth unemployment. As labour markets become more and more selective, a lack of relevant skills brings a higher risk of unemployment. Whatever the level of qualification, first experiences on the labour market have a profound influence on later working life.

This report on Canada contains a survey of the main barriers to employment for young people, an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to improve the transition from school to work, and a set of policy recommendations for further action by the public authorities and social partners.

Summary and Main Recommendations
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Challenge Ahead
-Demographics and Labour Market Outcomes
-The Transition from School to Work in Canada
-Characteristics of Jobs Held by Youth
-Key Points
Chapter 2. Initial Education and On-the-Job Training
-Structure of the Education System
-Performance of the Education System
-Strategies to Reduce Early School-Leaving
-Between School and Work
-On-the-Job Training/Work-Based Education
-Key Points
Chapter 3. Demand-Side Barriers to Youth Employment
-Employers' Views of Recruiting and Training Young Workers
-Wages and Labour Costs
-Type of Jobs and Working Conditions
-It it Key to Move to Another Province to Set Up a New Career?
-Key Points
Chapter 4. Passive and Active Labour Market Policies to Mobilise Young People into Work
-Youth Welfare and Unemployment Benefits
-Activation of Jobless Youth
-Key Points
Annex
Bibliography