Young adults and unemployment factors contributing towards unemployment : a Northern Harbour perspective

Abstract

Unemployment among young persons is a strong issue in today's world due to the significant high rates of unemployment in many countries (Farrugia, 2005). On the other hand, statistics clearly portray that young adults have a higher chance of being unemployed when compared to other generations (World Youth Report, 2003). Unemployment at a tender age can influence the person throughout his/her life, resulting in the person encountering difficulties in the employment arena throughout his/her life (Hammer, 1996). This might also lead to the unemployed person dissociating him/herself from society resulting in damage both to society and its system as well harm to the individual per se (Nyyssola, 1999; Youth Unemployment a Universal Problem, 2000). This study attempts to study the factors that contribute towards unemployment among young persons. It is based on three localities, Birkirkara, San Gwann and Hal Qormi, which are part of the Northern Harbour Region. A structured interview guide was used as the tool for data collection. The interview was conducted with 21 persons from the above mentioned localities; participants were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique from the list of persons who were currently registering as unemployed with the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC). Abstract xv Most of the results in this study correspond to the results and studies done both locally and internationally. Family background, Educational Background, Psychological state and Job search and preparation are the factors that were analysed through this study. The family socio-economic background together with parental education have been perceived as influencing unemployment among young persons in the various studies analysed. However, no evidence was found through this study with regards to inter-generational unemployment, since none of the participants came from families whose parents were currently unemployed. Lack of education was also reckoned as a factor that contributes towards unemployment among young persons interviewed in this research, as most of the participants had a relatively low level of education. The importance of qualifications, training and credentials was also felt for the boosting of employment probability among participants. This research also looks briefly at job preparation and job search, showing that these young persons are currently searching for work and not opting for unemployment. The majority of participants felt that they were well prepared for the world of work. Furthermore, this research looks upon the psychological effects of unemployment, and Abstract xvi results indicate that unemployment accompanies the unemployed persons with feelings of helplessness and worry, although none of the participants argued that such feelings hinder their search for employment. These results are to provide a better picture of the factors that influence unemployment among young adults. Through more understanding, such factors can be better addressed and tackled. Such actions will help both the young adults through their difficult unemployment transition, while on the other hand society in general will benefit from such results.