Research summary: Educational & Occupational Aspirations of Canadian Youth

Official title: Educational & Occupational Aspirations of Canadian Youth

Author of the report: Michela Planatscher

Why this study

Youth represent one of the primary sources of new labour supply. However, they also face challenges such as higher unemployment. Hence, it is important for young students to plan their futures. Youth with clear career goals are more successful in entering the workforce.

What we did

In this study we use data from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to analyze school and work plans of 15-year-olds students. Do they have a clear idea about their career? Which level of education do they expect to obtain? What jobs do they expect to do?

We also investigate how answers change between:

• girls and boys;
• low and high performers in reading, math or science;
• advantaged and disadvantaged students.

Advantaged students are the top quarter of students in terms of parent's jobs, diplomas and home possessions. Disadvantaged students are the bottom quarter.

What we found

Many young Canadians want to be highly educated. Six out of 10 students expect to achieve a college or university degree. Two thirds report having a clear idea about their future job. This is more common among high performers, advantaged students and girls.

Students want to pursue careers where workers are high in demand. This includes careers such as doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers. About half of all students expect to work in a "professional" job that needs a university degree. However, only 3 out of 4 of those students expect to complete a university degree. This points to some gaps between students' education plans and job goals.

What this means

This study connects results from today's youth to workers of tomorrow. Most 15-year-olds are motivated to study and want good careers. This will help productivity and economic growth in Canada.

Furthermore, providing good access to career information to young people early on is important. It helps them to make better choices. It will also lead to a more skilled workforce. This will benefit everyone in Canada.

Contact us

For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.

Strategic and Service Policy Branch, Economic Policy Directorate, Labour Market and Skills Research Division

Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca