YOUTH IN THE SOCIAL LABOR MARKET: NEEDS, CHALLENGES, PROSPECTS

Abstract

The article examines the modern labor market in the social sphere, which is undergoing dynamic changes due to socio- economic and demographic factors. Particular attention is paid to the problem of employment of young specialists, as employers put forward new requirements for the competencies of graduates. The article analyzes the main challenges that young people face when looking for a job, in particular, the lack of practical experience, insufficient development of soft skills and low wages. The purpose of the article is to analyze the factors affecting the employment of young specialists in the social sphere, identify the main needs of employers and develop recommendations for increasing the competitiveness of graduates.The study, conducted on the basis of a survey of employers, allows us to outline current market demands, determine the most popular specialities and identify the main barriers to employment. Special attention is paid to the role of internships and work practices in the professional development of young people, as well as the need to integrate soft skills’ development programs into the vocational education system. Insufficient level of development of soft skills, in particular communication and analytical skills. It was found that young specialists who have recently completed their studies consider their strengths to be the ability to learn, work in a team, effectively interact with colleagues, listen and communicate. At the same time, they admit that they lack experience in public speaking, decision-making, IT literacy and stress resistance. The results of the work can be useful for improving educational programs and helping to increase the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market.