Georgia’s National Statistics Service has revealed concerning figures regarding youth unemployment, indicating that 26.7% of the 576,400 individuals aged 15 to 29 are currently without jobs. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by young people in the labor market and underscores the need for targeted interventions.
Labor Force Breakdown
The report provides a detailed breakdown of the employment status among the youth demographic:
- Total Youth in Labor Force: 261.6 thousand
- Employed Youth: 191.7 thousand
- Self-Employed Youth: 36.7 thousand
The data further illustrates the educational background of employed youth:
- Employed Youth with Completed General Education: 48.7%
- Employed Youth with Professional Education: 8.3%
- Employed Youth with Primary Education: 6%
- Employed Youth Lacking Formal Education: 0.1%
This breakdown reveals that a significant portion of employed youth have completed general education, while those with professional qualifications represent a smaller segment of the workforce.
Unemployment by Education Level
The unemployment figures also shed light on the educational attainment of those who are jobless:
- Unemployed Youth with General Education: 63.2%
- Unemployed Youth with Higher Education: 24.1%
- Unemployed Youth with Primary Education: 7.5%
- Unemployed Youth with Professional Qualifications: 5.1%
These statistics indicate that a majority of unemployed youth possess general education, while those with higher education also face significant challenges in securing employment. The data suggests a potential mismatch between educational qualifications and available job opportunities in the market.
Implications for Policy and Action
The high rate of youth unemployment in Georgia calls for urgent attention from policymakers and stakeholders. Addressing the skills gap, enhancing vocational training programs, and creating more job opportunities are essential steps to improve the employment landscape for young people.
As the country navigates these challenges, targeted strategies will be crucial in fostering a more inclusive and robust labor market for its youth.
