Youth employment: apprenticeships support French progress, but do not close the European gap

France is seeing an improvement in youth employment, but remains significantly behind several of its European neighbors. In 2025, 35% of 15-24 year olds are employed, according to data published by the Directorate for Research, Studies and Statistics (Dares).

This result places France in the European Union average and 8th ^among member states. However, it remains far below the levels observed in the Netherlands, where the youth employment rate reaches 76%, in Denmark (60%), and in Germany (51%).

Combining studies and employment widens the gaps.

According to the Dares, these differences are explained in particular by the frequency of combining education and employment. In the countries at the top of the ranking, young people more often work alongside their studies.

The transition between the education system and the job market also appears more difficult in France. The statistical administration therefore recommends strengthening the links between studies and employment in order to facilitate professional integration.

This issue directly concerns construction and public works companies, for which apprenticeships constitute an important channel for recruitment, training in trades and transmission of know-how.

Progress concentrated since 2018

The increase in the youth employment rate recorded in France since 2005 has occurred entirely in the recent period. Since 2018, this indicator has risen by five points, a development that the Dares (Directorate for Research, Studies and Statistics) links to the reform and development of apprenticeships.

The number of apprentices exceeded one million in 2023. Faced with the cost of the scheme for public finances, several measures to reduce aid and support have nevertheless been undertaken since 2025.

A high proportion of young people without employment or training

The situation is also marked by the proportion of young people who are neither employed, nor in education, nor in training, designated by the acronym NEET. In 2025, they represent 11% of young people in France, a proportion considered "particularly high" by the Dares.

This data highlights the persistent difficulties faced by some young people in accessing qualifying training or achieving lasting integration into the labor market.

France also lags behind in terms of employment for older workers.

Beyond the situation of young people alone, the employment rate for 15-64 year olds stands at 69% in France, compared to an average of 71% in the European Union. This places the country 21st in ^Europe.

The gap also stems from the situation of older workers. Despite significant progress over the past twenty years, the employment rate for 60-64 year olds does not exceed 44% in France, eleven points lower than the European average.

A target of 40% by 2030

Presented in spring 2026, the government's plan for youth employment aims to increase the employment rate of 15-24 year olds to 40% by 2030. However, this strategy does not provide for additional financial resources.

The results published by Dares, based on the European Labour Force Survey conducted by Eurostat, show that the momentum already underway needs to be amplified to bring France closer to the European countries where youth employment is most developed.