Preparing for Successful Transitions between Education and Employment in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The restructuring of the labour market due to the twin forces of rapid technological changes and globalisation has changed the employment landscape, thus, impacting upon transitions between education and employment. Young people seeking to avoid low-skill, low-paid employment have been encouraged to complete high-level educational qualifications before entering the labour market. Thus, youth are experiencing protracted transitions between education and employment and the period during which they are dependent on their families is lengthening. Whether these investments in high-level educational credentials are rewarded in the labour market is the focus of this study. Drawing on survey data collected by the Life Patterns project, I find that the association between having a high level of education and securing permanent full-time employment is weaker than expected. Furthermore, level of education is not associated with levels of job satisfaction. Analysis of comments provided by the participants suggests that there is a level of disenchantment with the breakdown of the relationship between high levels of education and full-time employment.