Written by Formación Profesional Fomento
In recent years, Spain has made significant progress in reducing the number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). This positive trend reflects improvements in education and labour market participation, bringing Spain closer to the European average. However, behind these encouraging figures, important regional and social differences continue to influence the opportunities available to young people across the country.
In 2025, Spain reached its lowest recorded NEET rate among young people aged 15–29, standing at approximately 11.5%. This represents a remarkable improvement compared with the years following the 2008 financial crisis, when the rate exceeded 22%. Several factors have contributed to this progress, including lower levels of youth unemployment, a reduction in early school leaving, the expansion of vocational education and training (VET), and labour market reforms aimed at improving job stability.
While these developments are encouraging, the situation is not the same for all young people. One of the most distinctive features of the Spanish context is the considerable variation between regions. Some areas continue to experience significantly higher NEET rates than others. For example, the Canary Islands, Andalusia, and Extremadura report some of the highest rates, while regions such as the Basque Country and Cantabria consistently record lower figures.
These differences are closely linked to local economic conditions, employment opportunities, and access to education and training. In regions where the labour market is less dynamic and opportunities are more limited, young people may face greater challenges when transitioning from education into employment. Young people with lower levels of education, fewer economic resources, or limited access to support services often face additional obstacles when building their educational and professional pathways. Housing affordability is another factor that can affect young people’s ability to achieve independence and establish stable careers.
Although gender differences in Spain are generally less pronounced than in some other Southern European countries, challenges remain. Young women continue to face barriers related to employment quality, work-life balance, and family responsibilities. These factors can influence access to opportunities and contribute to different experiences during the transition to adulthood.
Another important development in recent years has been the growing number of young people who combine education and employment. Today, a significant proportion of employed young people are also studying at the same time. For some, this represents an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while continuing their education and developing new skills.
At the same time, this trend can also reflect economic pressures that require young people to work while studying. Balancing both responsibilities may create additional challenges and can sometimes affect educational outcomes or wellbeing. For this reason, a reduction in NEET rates does not automatically mean that all young people enjoy secure and favourable conditions.
The Spanish experience highlights an important lesson: improving employment and education indicators is only part of the picture. Supporting young people also means addressing the broader challenges they face, including job instability, unequal access to opportunities, and difficulties in achieving economic independence.
Spain has made substantial progress in reducing the number of young people outside employment, education, and training. Nevertheless, important challenges remain, particularly regarding regional disparities and unequal access to opportunities. Strengthening career guidance services, improving connections between education and employment, and providing personalised support to young people will continue to play a key role in helping them navigate their transition into adult life and build sustainable career pathways.
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