Youth in the Labor Force

Congress has indicated a strong interest in ensuring that today's young people, those age 16 through 24, attain the education and employment experience necessary to make the transition to adulthood as skilled workers and taxpayers. In the wake of the December 2007-June 2009 recession, questions remain about the employment prospects of youth today and the possible effects on their future earnings and participation in the labour market. This book provides context for policy-makers on the youth employment situation. It includes data on labour force participation, employment, and unemployment in the post-World War II period, with a focus on trends since 2000. This discussion compares rates based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and income, where applicable and also explores the factors that influence youth participation in the labour force and their prospects for employment.