Inequalities in school-to-work transitions
This report summarizes the results of various analyses of labor market integration—in terms of employment, NEET (not in employment, education or training), and occupational position—among young adults in different European countries and regions. The findings demonstrate the impact of regional differences. A substantial proportion of the variation in young adults’ labor market integration, both across and within countries, is attributable to differences in the socio-demographic and socio-economic composition of the young adult population (aged 16 to 34). Furthermore, higher unemployment rates at labor market entry have mid- to long-term consequences, though the degree of vulnerability varies by gender and education level.
By Jan Paul Heisig, Carla Hornberg, Christian König, Heike Solga, Kadri Täht, Marge Unt.
Cross-country variation in young adults’ labor market integration is mainly driven by differences in family composition and health. Regional variation within countries is driven by educational composition and whether young adults live in urban or rural areas.
Poor labor market conditions at entry are related to poorer labor market attainment 5 to 10 years later, especially for individuals with only lower secondary education than for those with more education.
Spillovers: Poor labor market entry conditions are associated with higher motherhood rates among less-educated women. In contrast, poor initial conditions delay childbirth and leaving the parents’ home for tertiary-educated women.