Youths not in Education, Employment and Training: An Overview of Characteristics, Challenges and Future Prospects

Abstract

This paper investigates the characteristics and the challenges of youths not in education, employment or training (NEETs), particularly those aged between 15 and 29 years. This study also discusses strategies that are needed to give them a better direction in life. The literature review gives an overview of the studies conducted by several world organisations, namely, the European Union, the OECD and UNESCO. Then, it goes on to discuss the various categories of NEETs, the causes for becoming a NEET, and intervention programmes.A qualitative kind of study was conducted through telephone interviews with eighteen participants. The majority of the participants were NEET for less than six months and almost all of them were planning to go back to work or study. Covid-19, together with personal or medical reasons, were the main hindrances for the participants to find a job. Career guidance was one of the main factors that was suggested by the participants as a helping tool to find a job, because they did not know in which sector they would like to work or study. Further recommendations emanating from this study where those of helping these youths to enhance their self-confidence and supporting them in literacy and numeracy skills throughout their studies.