Youth Economic Participation

Young people face particular challenges entering France's economy:

The Unemployment Challenge

Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high: - 20% for ages 15-24 (vs 7.4% overall) - Higher in suburban areas (up to 40%) - Educational mismatches with job market - Limited professional networks - Internship requirements creating barriers

Generational Shifts

Young workers bring different expectations: - Purpose-driven career choices - Work-life balance prioritization - Entrepreneurship aspiration - Digital natives advantages - Environmental consciousness - Mobility and flexibility desires

Léa Martinez, 26, software developer:

"My parents don't understand why I left a CDI at a big company for a startup. They value security; I value growth and impact. My generation sees careers differently—we expect to change jobs, maybe create our own. Traditional hierarchies frustrate us."

Policy Responses

Government targets youth unemployment: - Apprenticeship programs expanding - "1 jeune, 1 solution" COVID response - Startup support through French Tech - Civic service opportunities - Guaranteed youth income experiments

Educational Transitions

Bridging school to work remains difficult: - University graduates facing overqualification - Vocational training undervalued socially - Grandes écoles perpetuating elite reproduction - Soft skills gaps identified by employers - Geographic mismatches