Business · Economy · 6 hrs ago
Youth unemployment in İzmir was 5.3 points above Turkey’s average in 2024
EGİAD released a study on İzmir’s changing workforce and the skills employers will need as technology and society change.
Youth unemployment in İzmir reached 21.3% in 2024, compared with 16% across Turkey, among people aged 15 to 24.
Young people in İzmir had a higher labour-force participation rate than the national average, at 52%, but many still struggled to find work.
The study points to a mismatch between workers’ skills and employers’ needs, making it hard for businesses to hire and job seekers to find suitable roles.
It says jobs in manufacturing, trade, transport, storage, hospitality and food services are changing, with growing demand for skills such as automation, digital tracking and sustainable logistics.
EGİAD proposed six policy areas, including skills programmes, support for young people’s first jobs and a digital skills passport.
The association plans to discuss its findings with relevant institutions in Ankara on November 3 and 4, and aims to build cooperation with local organisations in İzmir.
A report says İzmir’s youth unemployment rate was 21.3% in 2024, 5.3 percentage points above Turkey’s 16% average.
The report found that young people in İzmir participated in the workforce at a rate of 52%, above the national average, but still faced difficulties accessing jobs.
It identifies a mismatch between workers’ existing skills and changing sector needs as a key labour-market problem.
The report says jobs in several major sectors are changing more in their tasks and skill requirements than disappearing.
EGİAD proposed six policy areas, including sector-specific skills programmes and support for young people’s first work experience.
- Who
- Young people aged 15–24 in İzmir. The report was prepared by EGİAD Think Tank.
- What
- İzmir’s youth unemployment rate was 21.3%, 5.3 percentage points above Turkey’s average.
- When
- In 2024.
- Where
- İzmir, Turkey.
- Why
- The report points to difficulties accessing jobs and a mismatch between existing skills and changing sector needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
İzmir’s unemployment rate among people aged 15–24 was 21.3%, compared with 16% nationally.
Dünya reported that EGİAD had announced its report on İzmir’s economy and labour market.
EGİAD said it planned to meet relevant institutions in Ankara to present the report’s findings and proposals.
- İzmir youth unemployment, 2024
- 21.3%
- Turkey youth unemployment average, 2024
- 16%
- Difference from national average
- 5.3 percentage points
- İzmir youth labour-force participation
- 52%
- Policy proposals
- Six policy areas
What people are saying
Creative destruction does not only mean jobs and occupations that disappear. It also means new sectors, new skills, new ventures and new opportunities.