Aug. 22, 2024 -- Central government departments have strengthened their efforts to combat the employment challenges faced by the nation's young people, as economic uncertainties, educational mismatches and the rise of disrupting technology continue to unsettle the job market.

The youth unemployment rate peaked for the year last month at 17.1 percent among those aged between 16 and 24, up 3.9 percentage points from the figure in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The unemployment rate for those aged between 25 to 29 was 6.5 percent in July, up 0.1 percentage point from the previous month. These calculations didn't include students in school.

Liu Aihua, the NBS spokeswoman, said at a recent news conference that the increase in the jobless rate last month was because the traditional graduation season falls in July and a large number of new graduates poured into the labor market.

Before July, the youth unemployment rate was declining in part due to the nation's efforts in encouraging companies to offer more internship opportunities and support for youth entrepreneurship.

Figures from the NBS show that the youth jobless rate — those aged between 16 to 24 — was 13.2 percent in June, down 1 percent point from May. The urban unemployment rate for those aged between 25 and 29 was 6.4 percent, down 0.2 percentage points. These calculations also didn't include students in school.

As the country creates an increasing number of college graduates each year, with roughly 11.79 million new graduates this year, the central government has prioritized the employment of this group.

In mid-May, three central departments, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance, released a notice to urge local authorities to better support employment and entrepreneurship for young people, especially college graduates.

"I've worked as an intern at a company from late June after I got my master's degree. I'm still looking for a permanent job though it's time-consuming," said Li Jiaqian, 25, from Shanxi province, who has taken up a short-term internship at a media company in Beijing.

She said that most of her peers received job offers before graduation, and she had been upset about her situation and worried about her career. "But I won myself the internship beating many other good rivals. I get meager pay as an intern but I've gained much experience on the job. I think it's a transitional period for me and I will find a good job soon or later."

In the notice issued in May, the government will grant financial subsidies to companies hiring new graduates, those who've been unable to find employment for 2 years after graduation and those aged 16 to 24 who've been laid off from work.

Companies can receive onetime subsidies of 1,500 yuan ($210) for each young person they hire upon paying their social insurance for 3 months, with the policy expiring on Dec 31, 2025.

The notice calls for no fewer than 1 million intern positions to be posted each year, from this year to next, in both the public and private sectors, with relevant subsidies provided.

The government is also organizing skills training programs and releasing favorable policies to encourage entrepreneurship.

The notice said local authorities are encouraged to expand recruitment for grassroots positions covering healthcare, elderly care, judicial officials and assistants for scientific research programs.

College graduates taking these grassroots positions will be offered promotion prospects and adequate financial remuneration.

The government, according to the notice, will provide comprehensive guidance to young people planning to start their own businesses, and young entrepreneurs will receive one-time financial subsidies to give them a leg up.

Those with difficulty finding work due to family financial challenges or disability won't be left behind either, the notice said, with the government providing at least one comprehensive policy explanation, three job recommendations and skills training or internship opportunities.

The government will also increase scrutiny on human resources departments and crack down on illegal behaviors such as fraudulent hiring and unauthorized fee charging. Cautionary warnings, typical cases and reporting channels will be accessible at job fairs on campuses to enhance awareness among students about protecting themselves, according to the notice.

Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security, said in a recent interview with People's Daily, the nation still has lots of work to do regarding a huge and increasing labor force.

She said the government still prioritizes the employment of young people, especially college graduates, by offering them high-quality services in job hunting, prospects for promotion and career guidance.

Zhang Yuejia, president of recruitment portal Zhaopin, said young people should hone their core competitiveness and gain as many skills as possible to increase their chances in the job market.

"Young people can use high-tech tools, for example, to better understand recruiting standards and optimize their resume with the help of artificial intelligence products," he said.

He added that in addition to industry titans or government bodies, small and medium-sized companies and opportunities in smaller cities can also offer young people careers with good prospects.