Spain faces high youth inactivity and educational gaps

Recent data from the OECD highlights significant challenges in Spain’s educational and labor landscape. The country reports a high proportion of ‘NEET’ youth (those neither studying nor working), with 17% of individuals aged 18 to 24 falling into this category, which is 4 percentage points above the OECD average of 13%.

Spain also faces an educational asymmetry described as an ‘hourglass’ structure. While university graduation rates are consistent with the OECD average, there is a notable lack of intermediate qualifications. Only 23% of young people hold a high school diploma or intermediate vocational training, compared to an OECD average of 38%. Additionally, 25% of young adults lack a high school diploma, more than double the OECD average of 12%.

In response to these structural issues, business leaders and corporations are focusing on training. Juan Carlos Tejeda of CEOE emphasized the urgent need for professional training to support digital and ecological transitions, noting that many workers lack recognized titles. Meanwhile, L’Oréal Groupe has launched the ‘L’Oréal For Youth’ program to bridge the gap between formal education and the labor market, aiming to improve employability through internships and skill development.