OECD educational and youth employment challenges in Spain/CL

OECD reports continue to highlight significant educational and labor market disparities in Spain and Chile. In Spain, the ‘Education at a Glance 2026’ report confirms that 25% of young people aged 25 to 34 have only completed compulsory secondary education (ESO), which is double the OECD average of 12%. Although this is a decrease from 34% in 2015, the country maintains a polarized structure where those with only an ESO qualification earn 31% less than the national average. Further data from the ‘Education Panorama 2026’ report indicates that 17% of Spanish youth aged 18 to 24 are classified as ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment, or training), exceeding the OECD average of 13%. Additionally, unemployment rates for those under 25 reached 24.1% for men and 25.8% for women in 2025, remaining the highest in the European Union. Recent updates emphasize an ‘hourglass’ educational asymmetry in Spain. While university graduation rates align with OECD averages, there is a notable lack of intermediate qualifications; only 23% of young people hold a high school diploma or intermediate vocational training, compared to the OECD average of 38%. In response to these structural gaps, the private sector is increasing its focus on training. Juan Carlos Tejeda of CEOE has emphasized the urgent need for professional training to support digital and ecological transitions, noting that many workers lack recognized titles. Additionally, L’Oréal Groupe has launched the ‘L’Oréal For Youth’ program to improve employability through internships and skill development. In Chile, the OECD identifies ongoing issues with teacher quality and availability. As of 2024, approximately 23.4% of teachers in public primary and secondary schools were not fully qualified by national standards, significantly higher than the OECD average of 9.1%.