The purpose of this study is to analyze the group of young people entering the labour market and access to vocational training for employment, paying special attention to the analysis of early school leavers or school failure. The analysis forms part of the debate on education and training levels in Spain and debate around proposals for change and professional competences.
The study contributes to a needs assessment and strategies for promoting the employability of young people whilst focuses on the following elements:
a) Analysis of the level and means of access to employment training for young people entering the labour market, with special attention to vulnerable groups (from early school leavers and / or school failure).
b) Collecting statistical data documenting the difficulties and barriers to access vocational training for youth employment.
c) Identification of training needs, key competences and specific training
d) Dissemination and promotion of recommendations and strategies that promote the integration of young people to vocational training for employment.
We carried out this analysis through quantitative methodologies (surveys of 2,400 young people and 400 employers) and qualitative social research methods (10 focus groups in 5 autonomous communities with key institutional actors and companies). The studied population is Spain’s youth - under 30 years - which first entered the labour market in the years 2005 -2007, with careful analysis paid to year of incorporation.
The rationale for selecting the years of this study are:
i) Studies on youth labour market state that it is not until year 3 that young people consolidate their position in the labour market.
ii) It is interesting to study a particular generation that have become incorporated into the labour market at the same time
iii) The 2011survey enables an assessment of young people who entered the labour market from 2005, we can assess their career trajectory taking into consideration the 2008 economic crisis.