Recent data from Eurostat reveals that only 67.5% of people aged 20 to 34 in Italy are able to find employment within three years of graduation. However, there has been a positive trend in the rate of recent EU graduates who are able to secure jobs within this timeframe. The percentage increased by 1.1% between 2022 and 2023, showing a 9.2% jump from 2013. The only setback in this trend was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the employment rate stands at 83.5% in the EU, with Malta leading the way at 95.8%. The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria also top the list with high employment shares.
Despite the overall increase in employment rates among recent graduates in the EU, Italy lags behind with only 67.5% of young adults finding jobs within three years of completing their studies. It is important to note that this data does not account for the large number of irregular workers in Italy, estimated to be nearly three million individuals, which makes up almost 13% of the country’s workforce. Foreign students looking to study abroad often choose Germany as their main destination, accounting for 24% of all tertiary students from abroad studying in the EU, followed by France at 16%.
The data underscores the challenges that young adults in Italy face when entering the job market, with a significant percentage struggling to secure employment within three years of graduation. This highlights the need for policies and initiatives to support these individuals and improve their access to job opportunities. Despite this, there has been a positive trend in the EU as a whole, with an increase in employment rates for recent graduates. Malta, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria are leading the way in terms of providing employment opportunities for young adults, showcasing the importance of creating a supportive environment for recent graduates to enter the workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges for recent graduates across the EU, with a temporary contraction in employment rates. However, the latest data shows a rebound in the percentage of recent EU graduates finding employment within three years of completing their studies. This positive trend demonstrates the resilience of the job market and the ability of young adults to secure employment opportunities despite economic challenges. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing the factors that impact employment rates among recent graduates, in order to support their successful transition into the workforce.
Italy’s low employment rate for recent graduates underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to improve job prospects for young adults. Addressing the challenges faced by this demographic will not only benefit individuals seeking employment, but also contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of the country. By investing in initiatives that support young adults in their transition from education to employment, Italy can work towards improving its employment rates and creating a more inclusive and sustainable job market for future generations. This data serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing job creation and employment opportunities for young adults in Italy and across the EU.
