SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28th Feb (EUROPE PRESS) –
Young individuals from the Canary Islands showcase the highest level of optimism regarding their future employment opportunities amongst Spaniards, as per the findings of the IX Young Business Talents Report. This report sheds light on the attitudes and trends of young Spanish pre-university students, conducted by ABANCA, ESIC, Herbalife and Praxis MMT.
As per the results of this study, which targeted pre-university students in the 4th year of ESO, 1st and 2nd year of Baccalaureate, and basic, middle, and higher cycles of Vocational Training, 50.6% of students in the Canary Islands anticipate that the youth employment scenario will improve significantly within the next five years.
“Although the future remains uncertain, current official figures depict a positive trend in employment opportunities. However, it is pertinent to note that Spain lags behind Europe in terms of youth employment, which can impact the prospects for young individuals. Moreover, the quality of employment is a critical factor. Inadequate preparation may lead to inferior job prospects, particularly with the rapid technological and digital transformations taking place,” mentions Nuño Nogués, director of Young Business Talents.
When questioned about their short-term prospects, 63.1% are optimistic about securing a job within a year of completing their studies. Additionally, 57.4% of surveyed youth believe that their generation is better equipped than their parents to attain superior job positions (79.5%).
“Although today’s youth have more educational opportunities, it does not guarantee better preparedness. Factors like a lack of work ethic, reliance on technology, and diminished academic interest contribute to Generation Z placing less emphasis on readiness, unlike their predecessors,” states Nuño Nogués.
In terms of essential factors for employment, the youth prioritise: enthusiasm and work ethic (63.6%), proficiency in foreign languages (54%), knowledge (52.3%), experience (45.5%), and academic performance (29.5%). Moreover, young individuals from the Canary Islands, along with those from Catalonia and Murcia, demonstrate the highest willingness to relocate for work (80.1%), slightly exceeding the national average (74.5%).
EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS AND CAREER ASPIRATIONS
Regarding educational choices, 58.5% of Canarian pre-university students aim to pursue a degree, while 20% opt for non-university studies, and 21% remain undecided regarding their future path.
Degrees generating the most interest include: Business and Economics (31.8%), Marketing and Advertising (29.5%), Law (18.6%), Psychology/Sociology (17.8%), and Teaching (17.1%). Furthermore, 78.4% of Canary Islanders believe that their current studies will be beneficial for their professional progression, surpassing the national average (72.8%).
In terms of future career aspirations, 30.1% exhibit an entrepreneurial inclination, desiring to establish their own venture or work as self-employed professionals; 26.7% remain undecided, 26.1% aspire to civil service roles, and 17% prefer working in companies.
Despite the entrepreneurial spirit among a segment of the youth, a majority (86.9%) express pessimism, deeming success for new businesses as challenging. “Entrepreneurs in Spain face numerous hurdles across various fronts including bureaucracy, evolving regulations, taxation, political instability, financing constraints, and heightened competition. Unlike other countries, Spain lacks a robust entrepreneurial culture, influencing young individuals’ perceptions and opportunities. Hence, the youth in Spain demonstrate lesser interest in entrepreneurship due to perceived limited prospects and recognition, unlike their counterparts abroad,” elucidates the director of Young Business Talents.
As for preferred sources of information, 61.4% rely on social media, whereas 35.2% opt for traditional media such as newspapers, digital platforms, radio, or television. Meanwhile, 3.4% express disinterest in current affairs.
“Despite the constant connectivity of the present generation, there is a likelihood of misinformation. While the internet and social networks offer a plethora of information, its relevance and accuracy may sometimes be compromised, potentially causing misinformation,” concludes Nuño Nogués.
Finally, 96% of Canarian youth emphasise the significance of staying informed about current events for personal development. When sourcing information for tasks, nearly all pre-university students (89.8%) utilise online platforms and cross-check multiple sources. Only 5.1% explore non-digital sources, 3.4% refer to Wikipedia, and 1.7% tend to copy information without verification.
