Russian/Eng/Nat Today 17-year olds throughout Russia are celebrating the last day of classes. Under the Soviet system their future would already be assured - either a place at University or a guaranteed job. But with some 10 (m) million unemployed as a result of economic reform, the future for Russia's school-leavers today is not so bright. Saved by the bell. The sound of freedom is ringing in the ears of these Russian school children. The celebrations can begin with their school days finally over but an unknown future awaits. Today, they begin their search for a job or a place at college. Those who want to go to University face stiff competition and entrance exams, and those who want to work face long queues at the job centre. But it used to be a very different story. In Soviet times a place at college guaranteed you a job for life upon graduating. And full employment meant that there were more jobs than school leavers. But with the collapse of the Soviet Union the situation changed almost overnight. The future for today's school leavers is far from certain. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The situation in this country is very complicated.There are too many unemployed people. And young people as well. So it is very difficult to find jobs here." SUPER CAPTION: Tamara Antonova, Headteacher It should be a happy day for children at Moscow's school number '1230' (schools still have numbers rather than names) but the sad reality of unemployment looms. While official figures put unemployment at a mere 3 per cent of the country's workforce, some estimate that as many as 10 million (m) are out of work in Russia. Little surprise, therefore, that the recent Moscow job fair drew thousands of job seekers both young and old. But school-leavers at the fair found that experience counts more than youth and vitality for many employers SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "There are too many bookkeepers, economists and lawyers looking for employment. And those who have some experience get the job first. So the older generation doesn't leave much space for the youth." SUPER CAPTION: Galina Eremina, Employment agency In the first few years after the collapse of Communism, so-called "new Russians" amassed vast fortunes without any particular skills. University applications plunged as young Russians sought fame and fortune in business rather than knowledge. But that situation is now being reversed. University applications have more than doubled as Russia gradually emerges from its deep recession and well trained people are again in demand. SOUNDBITE: (English) "It used to be that the young people with no education would get a job. But this time is finished and we are on the edge of a new era. There will be a demand for a lot of good specialists with greater knowledge." SUPER CAPTION: Yulia Emshanova, Job seeker But Yulia and her friends will not have an easy time finding the job that fulfils their expectations. Many of these youngsters will see their dreams vanish. Just like the balloons they released today. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1e18ecea65f609fe87d1d4906b0da666 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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