The Path to Employment: What Job Will Citizens Pursue?

As the exam season comes to an end, many older students find themselves pondering critical questions: How should I spend my last summer as a teenager? Which career path should I take? What job interests me the most? What training do I need based on my desired occupation?

The reality of the job market in our country is daunting; in 2024, the unemployment rate is projected to reach a staggering 36,500 individuals.

This number includes 14,800 men and 21,700 women who are actively seeking employment and a steady monthly salary.

A significant portion of these people are likely to be young individuals.

How many of them have pursued additional training in a field that excites them but still struggle to find a job?

Moreover, despite the government’s assurances of rising wages, it is anticipated that this will reduce the number of available job opportunities.

Out of the total unemployed, 12,700 are aged between 16 and 24 years, and 10,000 of them are searching for work for the very first time.

The latest report from the Bureau of Statistics provides alarming insights:

• 29,100 individuals have been on the job hunt for over a year.
• 20,600 of them are single.
• 4,400 are heads of households.
• 6,000 live in homes where no one earns a salary, relying solely on external support.
• 17,500 of these unemployed individuals lack any certification, having either failed their primary school examinations or not attended school at all.

While there are training centers available that could equip them with skills for various trades, the real question remains:

Are these young people willing to invest time in their education to better their lives and take responsibility for their futures?

Unfortunately, many fall prey to drug addiction or turn to professional theft, risking imprisonment instead of pursuing constructive paths.

While there are organizations that aim to guide unemployed individuals towards meaningful employment, success ultimately hinges on the willingness of these youths to engage with these initiatives and strive to be honest, responsible citizens.

In light of these challenging realities, it is crucial that as soon as you complete your exams, you take proactive steps to secure a job that suits you, paving the way for a future as an engaged and responsible member of society.

Source: Le Mauricien