Thousands of young people crowded into Calgary’s Big Four building this week, hoping face‑to‑face conversations might succeed where online applications have gone unanswered.

Calgary’s annual Youth Hiring Fair drew a large turnout as teens and young adults searched for work in what many describe as a discouraging job market.

Seventeen‑year‑old Thomas MacDonald has been trying for months to land a position in construction or at the zoo.

“I’ve applied to probably around 30 places and have gotten about zero replies,” he said.

He’s far from alone.

Jacob Weaselchild said he hasn’t heard back from any employer he’s contacted.

“None of them have gotten back, no email, no text, nothing,” he says.

Chelaine Smokeyday‑Dreaver has had a similar experience.

“I’ve applied to at least 20 jobs since January, online and in‑person, and every time I haven’t received an email back or anything or even an interview,” she says. “It just always goes ghost.”

Economists say the frustration is rooted in broader labour trends.

Alberta saw a surge of new residents in 2025, but job growth didn’t keep pace. Concerns over tariffs also pushed some companies to slow or freeze hiring.

ATB Chief Economist Mark Parsons says youth unemployment has improved but remains elevated. The rate has dropped from 20 per cent to about 15, but it’s still well above the typical level of around 10 per cent.

“We should expect to see some modest improvement in 2026,” Parsons said. “And that’s not because there’s going to be a surge in hiring in our view, but because we are reaching more of a balanced labour market, jobs are catching up to the people.”

Despite the challenges, some sectors continue to face worker shortages. Trades, construction and tourism remain in need of new talent, creating opportunities for young job seekers willing to step into those fields.

At the fair, employers in the trades were eager to meet candidates.

“We’re looking to hire as much as is willing to come,” said Mark Paiva, a service roofing foreman with the Flynn Group of Companies. “The good thing about the trades, in my opinion, is you can get out there and if you meet the right people and you are persistent, and you show you want to work and want to learn, I think there’s endless opportunities.”