Reducing youth unemployment: innovative mentoring from Switzerland

Introduction

Rising rates of youth unemployment in the developed and developing world has been cause for concern for policymakers at the local, national, and international levels.  Amongst the OECD countries the average unemployment rate for young people (15-24) is 17.4%, compared to 7% for adults (as of September 2011. Unemployment when young has serious implications for the individual as well as the wider economy. Alongside adding to welfare payments, and lost capacity (as with standard unemployment) youth unemployment is recognized to have ‘scarring’ effects upon future employment prospects and wages. Early unemployment delays gains in experience and training that usually result in increased earnings. If a young person experiences a period of unemployment they have a higher likelihood of future unemployment that will last for a longer period.

While unemployment in Switzerland is relatively low (four percent in 2011) a growing number of young people find it increasingly difficult to manage the transition from school to the labour market. An innovative partnership between professionals, government and young people in Basel has developed a new approach to reduce youth unemployment. Instead of public agencies providing advice to young people about apprenticeships or placements most public managers have no direct experience with business leaders provide personalised support through effective mentoring of young people. The results speak for themselves…

...Next Page