Mexico Will Host 400 Job Fairs to Address Youth Unemployment

To address Mexico’s high youth unemployment, with four out of 10 jobless workers aged 20 to 29, the federal government plans to host nationwide job fairs in 2025, aiming to improve access to formal employment.

“During August, we organized more than 69 employment fairs across all 32 states, offering nearly 37,000 formal job vacancies with participation from more than 2,200 companies,” says Claudio Frausto, Head of the National Employment Service, STP, reports El Universal.

Youth unemployment in Mexico stands at 5.9% of the economically active population, more than twice the rate for other groups, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) indicate a 4.8% unemployment rate among young people in the first quarter of 2024. The ILO warns that low unemployment rates do not necessarily reflect improved job quality, as informal work continues to expand.

The federal government has prioritized reducing youth unemployment through initiatives such as the Plan México, which includes 400 planned job fairs in 2025. Lawmakers are also exploring legislation to improve access to stable and formal employment for young people. Senators emphasize that almost a quarter of Mexico’s population — over 31 million people — is between the ages of 15 and 29. Many young people face barriers such as low educational attainment and the requirement of prior work experience for entry-level positions.

The employment fairs are open to all, but they focus on vacancies suitable for young job seekers. Participants are encouraged to bring identification, proof of address, and a résumé, although guidance from more than 2,500 labor counselors is available on site. The events also integrate the “Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro” program, offering training opportunities for those who are not studying or employed.

Frausto says that formal jobs offered in the fairs meet a minimum wage standard, with the average formal salary in Mexico at MX$13,765 (US$750) per month, above the current minimum of MX$8,480 (US$462). The fairs also include specialized events, such as those focused on women, diversity and inclusion, and vulnerable groups, scheduled throughout the year.

The combined efforts of government job fairs, youth programs, and legislative initiatives aim to provide structured pathways to formal employment, addressing both access and quality for Mexico’s young workforce.