Italy's youth face rising unemployment as remote work reshapes entry‑level hiring

In 2025 Italian entry‑level hiring fell 18.8% year‑on‑year, while 3.55 million workers continued to work remotely. Companies that offer flexible arrangements report higher growth, and 43% of professionals already use generative AI tools, signalling a shift toward hybrid digital workplaces. However, employers often hire already‑trained staff, leaving many young people without mentorship or structured onboarding.

A national INAPP survey of 1,548 Italians aged 15‑34 shows that one in ten are NEET (not in education, employment, or training). About 60% are actively seeking jobs, yet 70% live on less than €300 per month and 39% report no income source. The phenomenon is concentrated among women and in the Mezzogiorno, where NEET rates reach 20.2%. Despite most respondents holding at least a high‑school diploma, many lack clear career goals and judge low‑pay, contract‑less, or night‑shift work as unacceptable. Experts call for targeted training, better work‑life balance policies, and stronger mentorship to prevent long‑term labor market exclusion.