Young people not in employment, education or training (NEET): an overview in ETF partner countries

This report constitutes the first in-depth analysis of the [not in employment, education or training] NEET groups, their profile and risk factors in [European Training Foundation] ETF partner countries, based on international definitions and calculation methodology. It also reviews various policy responses to the phenomenon of NEETs and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using these results in the policy interventions of partner countries. Finally, based on the findings of [this] analysis, some policy conclusions and recommendations are developed to help partner countries in...  [+] Show more

This report constitutes the first in-depth analysis of the [not in employment, education or training] NEET groups, their profile and risk factors in [European Training Foundation] ETF partner countries, based on international definitions and calculation methodology. It also reviews various policy responses to the phenomenon of NEETs and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using these results in the policy interventions of partner countries. Finally, based on the findings of [this] analysis, some policy conclusions and recommendations are developed to help partner countries in their initial consideration of the NEETs phenomenon.

[The] analysis shows that a number of similar patterns can be traced in partner countries regarding the magnitude of the NEET problem and its underlying causes. Indeed, individual and family characteristics (sex, education level, age, socio-economic background) are important factors determining the outcomes of youth transitions from education to employment, and are therefore some of the key reasons that contribute to young people becoming NEETs. Nonetheless, there are also large differences between the countries that could be explained by the various social or cultural norms of societies, the different structures and performance of their education and vocational education and training (VET) systems, and the functioning of local labour markets and economies in general.

One implication derived from this report refers to the complexity of the NEET indicator, which embraces a range of young people in very difficult situations. [The authors recommend that] partner countries should use the NEET indicator carefully and always disaggregate data by vulnerable sub-groups. Another implication that emerges from the findings is the important role [vocational education and training] VET can play in easing the transition of many young people in partner countries from education to employment. [Key conclusions are that] 'prevention' is key to avoiding an uncontrolled increase in the number of young people falling into the NEET trap and to breaking the cycle of social exclusion, but that reintegration and compensation measures are also necessary to ensure the social inclusion of NEETs.

Edited excerpts from publication.