Mapping Youth Pathways from Education to Employment: What We Know and How to Strengthen Supports Across Canada

There are significant knowledge gaps on funded projects: Information on youth programs in Canada remains fragmented and incomplete. Publicly available materials often lack key details on target populations, delivery models, and outcomes, making it difficult to understand what services are available or how effective they are.

Governments at all levels can play a role in strengthening the knowledge base for youth programming.

Reactive programming is more common than proactive approaches: Most youth employment programs in Canada are reactive, addressing challenges only after young people fall behind in education or employment.

A proactive approach, focused on prevention, early guidance, and informed decision-making, would better prepare youth for a changing labour market and reduce further challenges.

There are challenges in engaging the youth most in need of support: Even where strong programs exist, many youth—especially NEET youth—struggle to find or access them. Supports are often fragmented, delivered by multiple actors with limited visibility or coordination.

Reaching youth who are most in need requires more than program quality—it demands visibility, trust, and simplicity of access.