Chile's Youth Unemployment Crisis: Bridging the Experience Gap

The article addresses the significant challenge of youth unemployment in Chile, where one in four young people aged 15 to 24 are jobless, totaling 220,000 individuals, with a higher prevalence among women. This issue is exacerbated by a depressed labor market influenced by artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies. A primary barrier for young job seekers is the common requirement for prior work experience, which many lack. A study by CADEM and Arcos Dorados Chile, 'Youth Employment in Chile 2026,' reveals that 64% of young people cite lack of experience as their main obstacle to employment. Furthermore, 79% of them consider it crucial for their first job to offer opportunities for acquiring and developing new skills. The study also found that 82% of young people prefer a formal, stable job over an informal one, even if it means a lower salary. The author, Lucas Palacios Covarrubias, Rector of INACAP, emphasizes that companies and higher education institutions share a responsibility to address this. Integrating young people early in their training should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a cost or mere social responsibility. This involves facilitating internships, corporate projects, and real-world experiences to ensure a smooth transition from education to employment. The article advocates for collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and academia to align educational pathways with labor market needs, mirroring successful models in developed countries. Ultimately, providing opportunities for first-time employment is presented as a shared societal responsibility, requiring supportive leaders who can inspire and guide young entrants into the workforce.