By Editor | June 6, 2025

As Canadian students head into summer, many are finding more empty inboxes than job offers. According to new data from Indeed Hiring Lab, summer job postings across Canada are down 22% compared to this time last year—an alarming trend, especially for youth hoping to earn money or gain experience over the break.

📉 A Chilling Shift in the Summer Job Market

What was once a job seeker’s market in 2022 has cooled dramatically. Brendan Bernard, senior economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says the hiring appetite has taken a dive since the pandemic era rebound.

“We’re seeing a real pullback in hiring appetite,” Bernard told CTV’s Your Morning. “The youth job market has been weakening pretty steadily over the past two years.”

And the stats back it up:
🔹 In April 2025, 28,000 jobs were lost among youth aged 15–24.
🔹 The youth unemployment rate rose to 11.3%, more than double the national average of 6.9%.
🔹 Young women and part-time roles were the most affected.

⛺ Camps, Customer Service & Lifeguards Hit Hard

Some of the most traditional summer gigs have seen the steepest drop-offs.
According to Indeed’s data:

• Camp jobs (counsellors, managers, leads): down 32%

• Customer service, painters, and lifeguard roles: also significantly down

These roles typically make up 10–15% of all seasonal postings, meaning the impact is far-reaching.

🚧 A Youth Employment “Traffic Jam”

There’s another dynamic at play: more competition, fewer openings. As Bernard puts it, the market is experiencing an employment “traffic jam.”

Why?
📍 Experienced workers are holding onto seasonal jobs longer.
📍 The youth population grew by 7.2%, but job growth didn’t keep pace.
📍 Entry-level workers now face more barriers than ever.

In Toronto and other major cities, young job seekers say they’re applying to dozens of jobs with no callbacks, or taking unpaid roles just to stay active. One Ontario teen called it a “make-or-break summer.”

💡 Advice for a Tough Market

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Bernard emphasizes that a “down market” is not a dead market.

“Ask yourself: What’s the goal for this job search? What fits your interests and skills?”

Here’s his practical advice:

• 🎯 Define your goals: Are you looking for income, experience, or both?

• 💬 Leverage your network: Talk to friends, classmates, and family.

• 💻 Use online platforms: Check beyond big job sites—local boards, LinkedIn, and community forums can help.

• 🌱 Stay productive: If job offers aren’t coming in, consider volunteering, freelancing, or learning new skillsthrough online courses.

🌟 Turning a Tough Summer into an Opportunity

Canada’s youth job market may be facing headwinds, but resilience, resourcefulness, and real-world experience—paid or unpaid—still matter. Whether it’s a summer job, an internship, or a volunteer gig, every role can build toward your future.

Don’t get discouraged—get strategic.

📣 Are you a student or recent grad struggling to find a job this summer? Share your experience in the comments below or tell us what strategies are helping you stand out.