Erasmus+ KA2 “Synergy of NEETs and apprenticeship” Project n° 2014-1-LT01-KA202-000529

NEET analysis (methods of social inclusion and intergration into the labor market)

APRCAlytus, 2015

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Introduction

Ministry of Social Security and Labour is responsible for youth policy in Lithuania, Department of Youth Affairs is responsible for the implementation of policy, Ministry of Agriculture, Centres of Labour Market, municipalities directly contributes to solution of youth unemployment issues.

Government programme of the Republic of Lithuania focuses on the youth. The aim of the programme is to develop youth world outlook as well as policy corresponding to their needs and satisfying the interests of country and society. The following is defined in this field:

To solve youth employment and integration into the labour market issues, to encourage youth entrepreneurship, reform existing youth labour centres and establish the new ones.

To develop youth non-formal education and strengthen the connection of formal and non-formal education and training.

To develop educational, information and consulting services corresponding youth needs as widely as possible.

Lithuanian youth policy is intended to young persons (Youth in Lithuania are considered as group of persons of the age ranging from 14 to 29). According to data of Statistics Department, there were 617,2 thousands of young persons, i.e. 21 % of all inhabitants of the country in 2014. There were 16,8 thousands more of young men of the age 14-29 than young girls. The biggest number – approximately 90 thousands – consisted of youth of 21-22 age.

According to the indicator of early school leavers (18-24 years old persons who haven‘t secondary education and who don‘t study), Lithuania is among twelve EU countries that already overtake the intended European aim of 2020 (10%). Such quite a good Lithuanian indicator may be explained by the fact that quite a big number of youth of 18-19 years old are studying in general education schools or have an opportunity to acquire secondary education with professional qualification in vocational training schools. There is still an aim in Lithuania to reduce the part of early school leavers. Reasons why the threat emerges and person may leave educational system can arise due to personal and educational problems, disadvantageous social, economical, pedagogical, cultural, linguistic environment, innate or acquired health disorders, unrecognized gift, when student‘s educational needs are not satisfied or when student doesn‘t get necessary educational help.

Youth unemployment in Lithuania is less than in 11 EU countries and 1percentage point less than EU average. There were registered 28,8 thousands of young unemployed persons up to 29 years old in 2014. It is 13 thousands less than comparing with 2013. Youth comprise 18.9 % of all unemployed. Even if youth unemployment decreases coherently and during 2014 youth unemployment decreased in 3,4 percentage points, youth unemployment in Lithuania, as in the whole EU, is twice bigger than a general rate of unemployment. The group of unemployed youth are always filled by new members who lost their job or have just finished schools and universities. Youth who are looking for a job for the first time have much more problems than these who lost their job. A young person often becomes unemployed even not started his/her working activity. Employers distrustfully look at persons who haven‘t work experience. They often require from a young person both a good education and experience at the same time. Unsuccessful integration into the labour market and lack of employment are one of the most important negative factors influencing the emergence of many other youth problems, i.e. social exclusion, spread of addictive behaviour, incapacity to pay for studies and purchase home.

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There are also workplaces in our country and employers constantly talk about the lack of employees. A part of young persons evaluate their abilities inadequately and hope to get a bigger salary than it is proposed by the employer for beginner employee. Lithuania is in lead in Europe according to percentage of high education graduates, however according to economic indicators we are at the bottom. The biggest problem is that youth work inefficiently and do not give the expected results and some even make no secret of the fact that dream about easy, simple job and high salary for it.

Legal and institutional system of youth policy does not create enough preconditions how to develop work with youth properly and effectively and in such a way to ensure the prevention of unemployment of young persons as well as active involvement into society life, because:

There is a lack of organisations and specialists performing the work with the youth. Young persons do not identify existing institutions that can help or render services (both in

national and local level). Young persons lack of possibilities to participate when making decisions important to them

especially at a local level. Intersectoral and interagency cooperation when solving youth problems in an integral

manner is not effective.

According to „Eurostat“ data, there are 80-90 thousand of young persons not in education, employment or training (hereinafter referred to as „NEET“) in Lithuania. The majority of young unemployed persons registered in public employment services don‘t have professional qualification or work experience. Approximately third NEET are not registered as unemployed. Separated group of youngsters is composed of persons experiencing social risk, not having necessary skills and asocial persons. The group of youngsters experiencing social risk, first of all is associated with becoming NEET risk factors. It can be composed of youth living in remote localities, youth who are in difficult economic situation or youth from incomplete families. Youngsters who do not have necessary skills are the persons who left educational system early and do not have high education, necessary work experience, having limited social skills or those who have chosen other asocial lifestyle. Problematic youth can be distinguished as the third group which includes persons who have special needs, emotional and behavioural disorders. This group is similar to separated youth group.

Being NEET can be related to measures oriented into supply (opportunities) and demand (activity). A young person may belong to NEET both due to the lack of oppotunities to integrate himself/herself into labour market or education and due to his/her pasiveness. It can be influenced by the fact that there are not enough vocational guidance services and (or) their quality is poor.

Youth not in education and employment lack of learning motivation, desire to acquire professional qualification or a job. Therefore, one of the biggest objectives of Youth policy is to involve unregistered NEET sucessfully.

Young persons not in education, employment or training is the priority of Lithuanian youth policy. In the whole Lithuania consultations-discussions with the youth are organized in order to ascertain the opinion of young persons how to help youngsters who are not in education, employment or training to return to schools or get into labour market. Although a job with the

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youth in Lithuania sometimes is prformed periodically, i.e. acitivities are more focused on results and outcomes of problems but not with preconditions and reasons, there are no sufficient services ensuring the prevention of youth unemployment.

According to Vocational Training Law of the Republic of Lithuania, vocational training system includes initial vocational training, continuing vocational training and vocational guidance. Vocational training programmes are intended to persons of various age groups and background. Since 2002, vocational training content is formed under the basis of competences and clearly defined objectives of learning. Initial vocational training programmes are prepared by vocational training suppliers cooperating with representatives of employers. They follow appropriate vocational training standard and general requirements determined by Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania.

Vocational training in Lithuania is mostly performed in school form, however practical training and training in companies compose the biggest part of training programme. In initial vocational training, practical training composes 60-70% of hours intended to speciality subjects, 8-15 weeks of which practical training should be performed in a company and educational institution base corresponding to real working conditions. An apprenticeship as vocational training organization form is legitimized in Vocational Training Law of a new edition.

Confirmed vocational training development plan for 2014-2016 includes measures necessary to finance apprenticeship initiatives and learning in a workplace, to improve qualification of vocational teachers who work in companies, to support the mobility of apprentices, to invest into renewal of practical training bases and to update vocational education and training plans. Lithuania will also participate in country review performed by European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP). In Lithuania, during 2014-2015 European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) performs the review of introduction of an apprenticeship training form under which recommendations for the development of an apprenticeship for our country will be prepared.

It is very important to ensure the conformity of education and training to the demand of labour market considering to the supply of future abilities. According to Lithuanian employers, there is a problem of lack of abilities. There are obvious problems related to vocational training quality and attractiveness because there is still a minimum part of students who choose working-class profession. There is still a lack of possibilities of apprenticeship and training in a workplace, its quality is also insufficient. The system of observation and prognostication of abilities and (or) qualification. Participation of adults in lifelong learning programmes is one of the slowest in the EU due to insufficient financing. Moreover, there is a lack of proper vocational guidance and initiatives.

Vocational training in an apprenticeship form is organically associated with educational, economic and social partnership systems. Roles of social partners, control of an apprenticeship training quality and financing as well as development of legal apprenticeship regulation tools are analyzed according to comparative analysis of apprenticeship development in Lithuania, Germany, France, England and the Netherlands.

It is necessary to focus on a workplace in order to introduce and develop the apprenticeship systematically. Therefore, it is necessary to talk about the involvement of social partners into this process. However, the essential thing is that social partners of labour market should have a real power of representation and clearly expressed interests in apprenticeship field. Lithuanian context in this aspect is quite problematical because social partners often lack of such power of

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representation and resources and their interests in apprenticeship field are not so obvious. The growth of potential of social partners shouldn‘t be dependant only on national decisions related to laws or institutional structures. Organizations of social partners in Lithuania have contacts with organizations of European social partners and can learn from trade unions of other countries and experience of organizational networks of representatives of employers how to participate in various apprenticeship schemes.

There are plans to take particular actions in order to improve the quality of vocational training and education, to encourage qualitative apprenticeship and training in a workplace, also to improve the management of competences. Therefore when improving elements of training in a workplace or apprenticeship programmes in various levels of country educational system, the contribution of all partners is necessary. All interested subjects agree, that system itself is useful when fighting with youth unemployment and nonconformity of needs of the labour market and it should be developed further cooperating closely with social partners. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure constant renewal of training programmes in order to supply the most modern training which gives students a possibility to adapt to technological progress.

Consolidation of elements of training in a workplace in initial vocational training became very important part of agenda of European policy.

1. The survey / The survey results

Survey for companies/institutions representatives and survey processing

Seeking to find out the different businesses, educational institutions and other institutions heads / representatives opinion and view on why young people are / fall to the unemployed,non-learning or training or do not taking part in training (NEET) group, to examine the apprenticeship opportunities as one of the ways which  helps young people to get involved in learning and the labor market we have developed and provided a questionnaire of 15 questions. The questionnaire was given to 90 companies engaged in various activities. Replies were received from 54 companies.

1. The main activity of your company/institution.

Actively participated in the survey the companies providing services to individuals. They formed 42% of all respondents.  Working in the field of industry - 16.7%, training / education activities engaged - 14.8%, construction - 11.1%, other activities (where respondents identified health service, trade and repairs, catering, manufacture of furniture and transport) – 14. 8% of respondents.

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42.6%

16.7%

11.1%

14.8%

14.8%

Services

Industry

Constructing

Educational institutions

Other

1pic. Companies/institutions according to the kinds of activities.

2. Company/institution existing time.According to the company/institution existing time respondents distributed the following:

their business is engaged for more than ten years 85.2% of companies,ranging from one to five years its activity is engaged 9.3% of companies, from five to ten years – 5.6% of companies. The companies were not found which newly started their business.

Up to 1 year

1-5 years

5-10 years

More than 10 years

2pic. Company/institution existence time.

3. Do you/in your company/institution address people from NEET group? The part of non-working and non-learning youth look for a job on their own. 11 %

representatives of companies indicated, that to their companies often address young people who do not learn or have a job. To 55.6 % companies young people address sometimes. 33.3 % respondents indicated that to their companies non-learning youth do not address.

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9.3%5.6%

85.2%

11.1%

55.6%

33.3%

Often address

Sometimes

Do not address

Other

3 pic. Frequency of persons from NEET group addressing to companies.

4. Why some people fall to NEET group in your opinion?Representatives of companies/institutions expressed their opinion for what reasons persons

from NEET group fall to it. Majority said that to NEET group young peple fall because they do not foster their attitude to work or studies. It is opinion of 38.9 % in survey participating companies. 14.7 % representatives noticed, that youth does not have learning motivation. 6.3 % representatives noticed, that the youth lack of self-confidence. To NEET group falls and young people with a speciality. They have a week preparation of a speciality and general education. It is an opinion of 5.3 % respondents. Young people are often overconfident, they are not satisfied with their positions and a salary. Because of lack of learning motivation young people are tempted for the salary of unqualified employees, but sometimes their hopes fall and they enter to NEET group. It was an answer of 12.6 % respondents. Young people are influenced of their friends, family and other persons opinion. They sometimes show a negative example and can demotivate a young person to work and study. It replied 8.4 % of companies representatives.

38.9%

14.7%6.3%

5.3%

12.6%

8.4%

12.6%1.1%

It is not developed provision to study or work

Lack of motivation to study

Lack of trust their abilities

Poor previous preparation for speciality and general education

Over-confidence and are not satisfied with a position and salary

Demotivation of other people to work, study or participate in training

Are tempted of unqalified workers wages but expectationsfail

Other

4 pic. Reasons, why some people fall in NEET group.

5. Why, for your opinion, NEET group people have a difficulty getting a job?35.4 % employers said, that youth lack of general competences, they do not imagine the

importance of lifelong learning. Some companies are not satisfied that young people do not have

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working experience. It replied of 15.2 % companies. 14.1 % of respondents said, that NEET group persons do not get a job because of their personal qualities. Because of lack of learning motivation some NEET group persons have a poor education. It is an opinion of 10.1 % companies, do not have a profession – 12.1 % of respondents. Young people just starting their work hope a good position, workplace and a salary. It is an opinion of 11.1 % respondents.

10.1%

12.1%

15.2%

35.4%

1.0% 14.1%

11.1%1.0%

Poor education

Do not have a profession

Do not have working experience

Lack of general competences, are unaware of importance of lifelong learning

Have children

Personal qualities

Too high hopes

Other

5 pic. Reasons why NEET gruop‘s people have a difficulty getting a job.

6. Who do you choose to employ if you have a free workplace? More than a half of companies/institutions representatives trust a young person who has a

professional qualification and starts to work. 57.4 % of respondents would like to employ such persons if they have a free workplace. 37 % of respondents would choose an employee, who has similar practical work experience. An unemployed person who has a qualification and is registered to labour market would choose 3.7 % of companies and an employee who recommends friends or relatives – 1.9 % of companies.

37.0%

1.9%

57.4%

3.7%

Employee with similar working experience

Employee who recommends friends, relatives

A youngster with professional qualification

An unemployed person who is registered in the labour market and has a qualification

6 pic. Choice to employ to the vacancy.

7. Your view to the youth as employees?

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Basically, accepting to work young people companies/institutions representatives trust the possibilities of youth when they carry out responsible tasks – 48.1 % and on average trust – 51.9 %. Companies, which do not trust youth absolutely, we do not find.

48.1%51.9%

Trust of youth possibilities performing responsible tasks

Trust on average

Do not trust

Other

7 pic. Confidence in youth carrying out responsible tasks.

8. What are you not satisfied with preparation of youth for the labour market?Speaking about what are you not satisfied with preparation of youth for the labour market

more than a half of employers – 54.9 % accented insufficient industriousness and responsibility of youth at work, 12.7 % – youth without profession, 11.3 % – insufficient professional training, 14.1 % – too high hopes of youth, 5.6 % – lack in self- confidence. It was noticed that some young people maybe have unpopular profession for labour market.

12.7%

54.9%

5.6%

11.3%

14.1%

1.4%

Do not have a profession

Unsufficient industriousness and responsibility at work

Do not trust of themselves

Professional theoretical preparation

Professional practical preparation

Too high hopes

Other

8 pic. Drawbacks of youth for preparation to the labour market.

9. The qualities which are the most important for young employee?The most important qualities, which are necessary for young employee

companies/institutions representatives emphasized responsibility – 27 %, independence and initiative– 20.9 %, honesty and carrying out work on time – 20 %, professional skills and a qualification – 16.5 %, an ability to absorb innovation – 15.7 % of respondents.

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16.5%

27.0%

20.0%

20.9%

15.7%

Professional skills and a qualification

Responsibility

Honesty and performing works on time

Independence and initiative

Ability absorb innovation

9 pic. The principal qualities which are necessary for a young employee.

10. Do you think that the idea of apprenticeship could reduce the number of NEET?During the survey we were seeking to find out an opinion of companies/institutions

representatives could the apprenticeship reduce the number of NEET. 35.2 % of respondents are sure, that the apprenticeship could reduce the number of NEET. 63 % of respondents would like to believe, that the apprenticeship could reduce the number of NEET. Only 1.9 % of respondents state, that the apprenticeship do not have any influence for the decrease of the number of NEET.

35.2%

63.0%

1.9%

Yes,it would decrease the number of NEET

It would possibly help

It would not have any impact

It would only worsen a situation

10 pic. An opinion about the apprenticeship possibilities to reduce the number of NEET.

11. How can you contribute solving the youth employment questions?A lot of companies lack of the qualified employees. So, companies understand the

necessity to solve the youth unemployment problems. 38.4 % of respondents are ready to help to get working experience in their companies for people with a speciality. The growing popularity of vocational education and training, technological progress in vocational schools - strengthen employers' trust in schools. 21.9 of respondents encourage the young man to acquire a profession or retrain in a vocational school. 19.2% of companies are ready to organize youth job apprenticeships. 11% of employers are willing to include young people into employment, creating new workplaces. Only 6.8% promotes to acquire higher education. 2.7% of the company representatives pointed out that with the profession it is important for young people to get a basic and secondary education.

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11.0%

38.4%

19.2%

21.9%

6.8%2.7%

To involve youth creating new workplaces

To help acquire working experience in companies

To prepare youth for workplaces in the way of apprenticeship

To promote youth to acquire a profession or requalife in the vocational school

To promote to get a profession at universitiesOther

11 pic. Preparation of employers to participate solving the youth employment questions.

12. What reasons of withdrawal from school do you usually face? One of the reasons why young people fall into the NEET group is their early exit from the

education system. According to the respondents the main exit from the educational system is the of lack of motivation and poor learning. This reason was indicated by 52.6% of respondents. Some young people leave school because of employment. They would like to start work or are forced to start work because of certain social conditions and hope to earn money. With this reason faced 18.4% of respondents. 10.5% of respondents believe that young people are leaving vocational school when their chosen training program does not meet their expectations and interests. Most often it happens when young people choose the profession irresponsibly or they lack of information when choosing. 10.5% of respondents say that young people are leaving school because of the psychological characteristics of personality, emotional and behavioral problems, inability to solve problems, the absence of constructive help on time. 5.3% of the company representatives pointed out that young people are leaving school because of family reasons (raising a child, nursing relatives). Only a small percentage of respondents - 1.3% think that young people are leaving the education system because of health problems.

18.4%

5.3% 1.3%

52.6%

10.5%

10.5%1.3% Because of employment

Because of family problems

Because of health problems

Because of lack of motivation and poor learning

Interest and demand do not meet the programme of vocational training

Because of psychologcal person‘s qualities, emotions and behaviour disorders

Other

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12 pic. The reasons of youth quit from the educational system.

13. Which measures do you think would have the greatest impact on reducing the number of non- learning / leavers from training?

The main instrument, which should help reduce the number of non-learning / leavers from education, respondents hold early fostering for career, meetings with employers and vocational school graduates who can be a personal example demonstrating the benefits of vocational training for employment and a career advancement. It stated 50% of company representatives who submitted answers. Another important measure is the social, pedagogical, psichological help and work with parents. It believes 24.1% of representatives. A very important measure is improving the learning environment, investment in the training base, that it would be possible to acquire the skills and competences required of labour market. It answered - 11.1% of representatives. For people raising young children, working and willing to get a qualification it can be formed a flexible learning schedule answered - 5.6% of representatives. For some students with a variety of problems might help them specially adapted programmes, said - 3.7% of the representatives. 1.9% of respondents as one of the measures identified remote learning. Representatives of 1.9% had no opinion and did not answer, and 1.9% indicated that without the motivation and desire to work outcomes can not be achieved.

24.1%

11.1%

3.7%

5.6%

50.0%

1.9% 1.9% 1.9%

Social, pedagogical, psychological help, work with parents

Improvement of learning environment, investment to learning base

Adaptation programmes

Forming of flexible learning schedule for persons raising children or working

Fostering for career, meetings with employers and graduates from vocational schools who show the advantages of vocational training getting a job or seeking a career

Remote learning

Other

No replies to the question

13 pic. Measures for decrease of the number of non-learning/ leavers from educational institutions.

14. What measures do you think would have the greatest impact on reducing NEET, for returning this group of people to a valuable life?

40.7% of respondents noted that vocational training should lead to new forms of professional training, which replace the approach to vocational training and have an impact on reducing NEET group of people. Targeted vocational guidance, early information and counseling, self-knowledge and career planning is another important factor, which would reduce the number of NEET. This answer was chosen by 25.9% of respondents. It is very important that in training, qualification improvement can be widely used IT, modern technology and equipment. It noted 20.4% of the companies representatives. 7.4% of respondents think that

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some vocational training programmes are very extended , training should be intensified. 5.6% of respondents drew an attention to the fact that in society should be formed certain economic, social and cultural environment that would be highly motivated to learn and work.

40.7%

7.4%20.4%

25.9%

5.6%

New forms of vocational training

Decrease of duration of vocational training programmes

Wide use of IT, modern technologies in learning

Honest career planning

Other

14 pic. Measures, which have a great influence for decrease of NEET and for returning this group of people to a valuable life.

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Conclusions

Available vocational training and work experience is an important determinant of success in the labour market, but their combination brings the most effective results.

Early withdrawal from the educational system, the lack of vocational training is one of the factors that prevent young people enter to the labour market.

Youth unfavorable situation in the labour market, in many cases, leads to their own lack of motivation, moral values, lack of professional training, lack of working experience, too high expectations and their personal qualities.

Young people lack of common competences, they do not realise the importance of lifelong learning.

Just starting working life and have no practical experience young people do not adequately assess themselves and their possibilities, have too high expectations for their positions, work places and a salary.

In youth preparation for work on the market company representatives are not satisfied with insufficient ndustriousness and responsibility at work, lack of a profession, inadequate vocational training, excessive expectations of young people.

Company representatives lack of information about acquiring a profession in the way of vocational apprenticeship. Only 35.2% of respondents believe that the apprenticeship reduce the number of NEET, 63% of representatives hesitate about it.

The main instrument, which should help reduce the number of non-learning / leavers from educational system respondents hold an early fostering for a career, meetings with employers and vocational school graduates.

Company representatives are increasingly aware of the need to contribute solving the problems of youth unemployment. 38.4% of respondents are ready to help gain work experience in their companies for people who have a speciality. 19.2% - to prepare young people to the workplace in the way of apprenticeships.

New forms of professional training, optimization of teaching (learning) duration, technical and technological progress, wide application of IT would have the greatest impact on reducing NEET, returning this group of people to a valuable life.

Survey and outcomes of young peple from NEET group

In Lithuania with major employment problems face the young people who acquired a profession but without professional qualifications, work experience and looking for a job. Successfully to finish school, to acquire a profession and enter to the labour market for some young people hinder various factors: early dropping out of the educational system, the complex transition from education to employment, lack of work experience, lack of vocational training or acquired professional skills mismatch to labour market needs, various social and economic conditions. It has an influence and a motivation, initiative, ability to assess themselves and present themselves properly.

The aim of the survey – to identify and evaluate which activities are engaged young people in NEET group, why they do not learn anywhere, do not work and do not take part in the

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training, what their level of motivation to change the situation: to learn, to acquire a profession, to promote their qualification.

To find out an opinion and view of the unemployed, non-learning or do not taking part in the training youth why they fall into NEET group, to analise possibilities of apprenticeship as one of the ways that could help young people to get involved in education and the labour market, we have prepared and put forward 13 questions‘ questionnaire for young people. It was interviewed 64 respondents.

1. Your age.

Distribution of the respondents according to the age: 66.7 % of survey participants were 19-23 years old, 31.7 % - 24 - 29 years old and 1.6 % - 14 - 18 years old (see Pic.1).

1.6%

66.7%

31.7%

14–18 years old

19–23 years old

24–29 years old

15 pic. Respondents according to the age.

2. Your education.Young people with primary education among all respondents formed 1.5%, 10.3 %

respondents had a basic education. Secondary education had 39.7 % of respondents. Almost half of the respondents (47.1 %) had vocational training and had the first profession. 1.5 % of respondents had higher education (see pic. 2).

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1.5%

10.3%

39.7%

47.1%

1.5%

Primary education

Basic education

Secondary education

Vocational education

Higher education

Other

16 pic. Respondents according to the education.

3. What activities are you now engaged in?When they were asked about activities that are now engaged in more than half of (53.2 %)

young people indicated that they are intensely looking for a job. A quarter of respondents (24.2 %) are not studying at the moment, but they are planning to acquire a profession which is popular in the labour market. 9.7 % of young people replied that at present they are engaged in other activities: raise a child, participate in projects. 8.1 % of respondents are looking for a job abroad. 4.8 % - do not learn anywhere and do not work (see pic.3).

24.2%

53.2%

8.1%

4.8% 9.7% Do not study but have plans to get a profession

Looking for a job intensively

Looking for a job abroad

Do not study and are not looking for a job

Other

17 pic. Activities, which respondents are now engaged in.

4. Would you like to acquire/ change your profession? To the question would they like to acquire/change a profession positively replied more

than a half of the respondents, 38.3 % of young people want to acquire the first profession, 35 % of young people want to acquire another, more popular profession associated with their expectations. About vocational training institutions young people have information, but gaps of guidance information system, as well as youth self-knowledge show that 26.7 % of respondents do not know which profession they would like to choose (see pic. 4).

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38.3%

35.0%

26.7%

Would like to acquire a profession

Would like to acquire another profession

Do not know which profession to choose

Lack of informaation where to acquire a profession

18 pic. Respondents preparation to acquire / change a profession.

5. If you do not learn anywhere or do not work and do not participate in the training now, for what reasons are you in this situation?

The reasons, why young people fell into such a situation, are different. Almost a quarter of respondents (23.8 %) cannot find a job. 10.7 % - cannot find a job according to their profession. 9.5 % of respondents fell into NEET group because they did not enroll to study where they wanted and 9.5 % of respondents said, that they do not have the financial opportunities to participate in training. 7.1% of respondents cannot study because of family circumstances, 6 % - are engaged in voluntary activities, 4.8% - of respondents have health problems, 1.2 % - look after their relatives who are needed a care. More concern rises the part of young people who say that they are tired of learning - 1.2 %. They do not work because the benefits are higher than the salary - 1.2 % and 1.2 % - do not have possibilities to study near their local place and 3.6 % of respondents work illegally. 4.8 % of respondents do not want to do anything, because they want to have a lot of free time and have a fun. It should be paid attention that measures are needed to motivate and encourage young people to learn and participate in training, youth programmes, initiatives, because 14.3% of the respondents want to take a break, to deepen and understand what they want to achieve in life (see pic. 5).

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1.2%9.5% 9.5%

23.8%

10.7%

1.2%

14.3%

4.8%

1.2%

3.6% 6.0%

1.2%

7.1%4.8%

1.2%

Are tired of learning

Did not enroll to study where they wanted

Do not have financial possibilities to participate in training

Do not find a job

Do not find a job according to speciality

It is not worth to work because benefits are higher than wages

Would like to take a break and be aware what they want in life

Have health disorders, disability

Take care of nurse needed relatives

Work illegally

Have voluntary activities

Do not have possibilities to study near living place

Cannot study because of family problems

Would like to have a lot of free time

Other

19 pic. Reasons, for which young people in NEET group, do not study, work and participate in training.

6. Would you like to change a current situation? A current situation would like to change 76,2 % of respondents. The young people who

lost motivation (23,8 %) are satisfied with the current situation (see pic.6).

76.2%

23.8%

Yes

No, are satisfied with the current situation

20 pic. Respondents‘ replies about preparation to change a current situation.

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7. Reasons, for which you do not want to change anything. Respondents, who do not want to change anything, noted the reasons. 33,3 % of

respondents are satisfied with the current situation, because they are engaged in self-realisation. 2,8 % of young people indicated, that they do not find or do not know where to look for help. Organisations working with youth, specialists of vocational guidance information, representatives of training institutions should draw attention to the fact that 22.2 % of respondents are satisfied with the current situation, 8.3 % - believe that there is no way out and it is not worth anything to change. 27.8 % of respondents want to leave Lithuania. 5.6 % of respondents indicated other reasons (see pic.7).

33.3%

2.8%22.2%8.3%

27.8%

5.6% Are satisfied with a current situation, because are occupied in self- realisation

Do not find help

Reconciled with the current situation

It is not worth to change anything

Are going to leave Lithuania

Other

21 pic. Reasons for which respondents are satisfied with the current situation.

8. What would you like to do in near future? 55,9 % of respondents said, that they would like to find a job in near future. 16,2 %. –

would like to start studying, 14,7 %– to acquire a profession, 8,8 % – to develop the qualification, 4,4 % – to engage in other activities (see pic.8).

16.2%

14.7%

8.8%

55.9%

4.4%

To study

To acquire a profession

To improve qualification

To find a job

Other

22 pic. Activities, which respondents would like to engage in near future.

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9. What form of profession do you think is more acceptable?The replies about forms of vocational training showed that young people have the

knowledge about them. It seems an attractive form of profession in the way of apprenticeships for young people. This was indicated by almost half of respondents (48.4 %). 40.3% of respondents would like to acquire a profession at a vocational school learning in full-time. 6.5 % - at vocational school learning in evenings. 4.8 % of respondents would like to acquire a profession in the other way.

40.3%

6.5%

48.4%

4.8%

Full-time form at vocational school

In evenings at vocational school

Theoretical learning at vocational school and practical training in a company

Other

23 pic. Respondents chosen form of profession.

10. Where do you get help, support and information most?Not working and not studying youth is looking for help in various ways, most often not

one, but several ways at once. When they were asked to identify, where they get the most help from, support and information a third of respondents (30 %) identified the family, 29.1 % - the Internet, 15.5 % - friends, 14.5 % - the labour market. Less help and information NEET group‘s people receive from social workers (3.6 %). Only some young men are using the services of youth coordinator (4.5%). The unemployed and not learning youth links with the educational and training institutions are ended. The necessary help from the specialists of vocational guidance receive 1.8 % and from representatives of educational institutions 0.9 % of respondents (see pic.10).

30.0%

15.5%14.5%

29.1%

3.6%

4.5%

0.9% 1.8% From family

From friends

From the labour market

From the Internet

From social workers

From youth affairs coordinators

From educational institutions

Vocational guidance specialists

10 pic. The sources of help, support and information for NEET group people.

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11. What does it help, in your opinion, to find a job ?The survey results showed that in the respondents‘ opinion influencing factors of

importance for employment are follows. The most important factor respondents noted a good education (17 %). In their opinion social skills have a greater influence finding a job (15.2 %) and contacts (15.8%) than professional qualifications (14 %), then follows the ambitions (12.9 %), working skills in a team (8.8 %), computer skills (8.2 %), good appearance (7 %). 1.2 % of respondents do not know what can affect looking for a job.

17.0%

14.0%

15.2%8.2%8.8%

7.0%

12.9%

15.8% 1.2%

Good education

Professional qualification

Social skills (ability to introduce yourself, communicate)

Computing skills

Working skills in a team

Good looks

Ambitions, prospects

Contacts

Do not know

24 pic. Respondents opinion about influencing factors for employment.

12. What kind of work would you like most and which of the following options would you choose?

Young people lack of work experience, available skills often do not meet the needs of employers. Therefore, young people more often than other people groups, face with problems of unemployment or employment according to fixed-term contracts and low-wages. A lot of young people learning and training for the profession do not use their full potential, which prevents the smooth transition of young people from education to the labour market. This is reflected in the survey results. The salary is very important for young people who are looking for a job.They marked (28.8%) that they are looking for any well-paid job. 20.5 % of young people, who faced with various employment problems, say that they would like any permanent job, 19.2 % - a permanent and qualified job. 17.8 % of young people say that they want to start their own business, 6.8 % - would like to learn, attend courses and 6.8 % of respondents do not know what job they would like (see pic. 12).

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20.5%

28.8%19.2%

17.8%

6.8%

6.8%

Any steady job

Any well-paid job

Steady associated with my qualifacion job

To set up own business

To study, attend courses

Do not know

25 pic. Respondents preferred job.

13. You are (sex).Distribution of respondents according to the sex: 41,3 % of respondents were men, 58,7 %

– women (see pic.13).

41.3%

58.7%

A man

A woman

26 pic. Distribution of respondents according to the gender.

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Conclusions

The survey showed that almost a half of the respondents (47.1 %) have a professional training and the first profession. 51.5 % of the respondents do not have a profession. The answers to this question reflect the problems of the educational system, because a lot of people, who were surveyed, already have a profession and have spent several years in order to gain it but do not integrate themselves in the labour market. They are looking for help in order to get information about the possible ways to get a profession, tips, how to choose the right profession and so on. It is obvious that they do not use the services of vocational guidance on time and they consume the state resources in order to find a way into the labour market. Young people, who do not have a profession, lack of information about the possibilities to acquire a speciality, educational institutions and the demand of professions (see the answers to the question 4).

The need to acquire/improve skills or learn are clearly expressed by 39.7 % of respondents replying to the question about preparation to take certain actions improving their situation, but not all respondents are aware about it.

The essential role about integration into labour market plays a personal motivation. The respondents‘ intention to participate in the labour market reflects the fact that more than a half of the respondents have indicated that they are looking for a job.

The major reasons, why the young people fell into non-learning and unemployed youth group, respondents consider that they cannot find a job, cannot find a job according to their speciality and did not enroll to study where they wanted. It should be paid attention that measures are needed to motivate and encourage young people to learn and participate in training, youth programmes, initiatives, because 14.3 % of the respondents would like to take a break, deepen and understand what they want to achieve in a life.

Only 19.2 % of the respondents, who have a professional training, are willing to work according to their qualifications, profession and this shows a lack of efficient use of human resources in the country.

The replies about forms of vocational training have showed that young people have the knowledge about them. The way of apprenticeship form to get a profession seems very attractive for young people.

2. Examples of good practice

Purposeful policy of increase in employment anticipated Lithuania to the EU unemployment level average. Programme for development of increase in employment confirmed by the government of the Republic of Lithuania for 2014-2020 will solve unemployment and increase of labour demand problems as well as problems of conformity of qualification of labour force to needs of the labour market, maximum use of potential of available work resources and participation in the labour market. This will be done when concentrating business, education and labour market sectors including social partners and municipalities into formation of employment policy.

In order to reduce poverty, Ministry of Social Security and Labour together with municipalities, social partners, other ministries prepared an action plan of increase of Social inclusion for 2014-2020 which focuses on children and youth.

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National implemented programmes:  1.National development programme of youth policy for 2011–2019 2.National youth volunteering programme. Objective – to allow young persons to

participate in volunteering activities and acquire experience of personal, social, professional competences when choosing a profession, reintegrate into formal education system and (or) prepare to be involved into the labour market.

3. Intensive long-term support programme for NEET. Objective – to encourage youth integration into labour market and/or education system providing services (hereinafter referred to as „services“) of social rehabilitation and preparation for employment in labour market when applying the experience of non-government organizations.

4. Youth guarantee initiative (hereinafter referred to as – YG) implementation plan is prepared in order to implement European Union Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (2013/C 120/01). YG objective – to ensure that all youngsters up to 29 years old during the four month period from the day of dismissal or graduation of formal education would get a proposal to work, continue studies, including apprenticeship as vocational training form, perform practice or an internship.

According to Human resources development action programme instrument „Job-seekers integration into the labour market“, during 2013-2014 Lithuanian Labour Market implemented a project „Assistance to job-seekers“. Project of 31,5 million LTL which is co-financed by European social fund (ESF), Unemployment Fund and state resources, 22,7 million LTL of the EU support was given. Project partners were ten local state labour markets, it is applied for approximately 8000 of young persons among them about 1500 long-term unemployed persons. According to data of State Labour Market, support for acquisition of working skills was used by almost 1600 persons when implementing project „Assitance to job-seekers“, and employment using sponsoring support was applied to almost 6400 young persons during the project.

According to the same instrument, the EU financed project „Increase in youth employment“ implemented during 2012-2013 by Lithunian Labour Market helped to find jobs for 6600 young persons, i.e. 600 more than it was planned. After the end of the project which allowed young persons (up to 29 years old) to acquire lacking skills in workplaces, 5600 of all persons who participated in it, had permanent contracts. 20 million LTL were allocated in order to implement ESF financed project.

In 2007-2013 the main EU support in youth field was „Active youth“, National institution - SADM, National agency - public body „Youth international cooperation agency“ were responsible for its implementation. Implementation of programme in Lithuania was perfectly assessed. During the period of programme, approximately 40 thousands of young persons of all 60 Lithuanian municipalities participated in financed projects and national agencies trainings.

The EU financed project „Increase in youth employment“ implemented by Lithuanian Labour Market during 2012-2013 helped to find jobs for 6600 young persons, i.e. 600 more than it was planned. After the end of the project which allowed young persons (up to 29 years old) to acquire lacking skills in workplaces, 5600 of all persons who participated in it, had permanent contracts. 5,8 million EUR (20 milllion LTL) were allocated to implement ESF financed instrument.

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ESF financed project „Be self-confident“ is implemented during 2013-2015. The main objective is to encourage youth integration into labour market or educational system together with non-government organizations. Project is implemented using 3 and 6 month programme of Social rehabilitation and preparation for employment in the labour market. Project participants are involved into the activity of non-government organizations: participate in various events, contributes to planning of these events, develop social skills, stengthen personal properties, rise motivation, form teamwork skills, consider and discuss various issues (about stress and its management, healthy lifestyle, social roles, life in family, care of others, conflict management, roles in labour market, ethics in workplace etc.), have an opportunity to develop computer skills. Excursions to employers or education institutions were organized, youngsters were allowed to know better the interested training programmes.

Human resources development action programme instrument „Promotion of entrepreneurship“ was implemented by Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania during 2007-2013. During five years of programme, over 1200 persons and companies started their own business. These persons who started business created almost 2900 new jobs, i.e. more than 2 new jobs in a new business. 4900 potential bussinesmen have already participated in entrepreneurship training. This support is also a big incentive for youth not to leave Lithuania and create future in their own country. European Commission calls this instrument an example of good practice which should be followed by other EU member states in order to increase the development of workplaces through the promotion of self-employment and the most important is to focus on socially sensitive society groups that would like to start their own business.

During 2014-2020 financing period, Ministry of Social Security and Labour plans to implement further the financial instrument under which financing will be continued for these who start their own business, self-employment and creation of new jobs will be promoted in order to encourage an entrepreneurship and self-employment of inhabitants, especially those who confront with difficulties in the labour market. It is planned to invest the EU resources into business start ups not only by giving credits under easier conditions but also by compensating the part of interests and labour costs for employees to those who started their own business.

Youth guarantee initiative is planned to be implemented in the whole Lithuania during 2014-2020 in order to provide a proposal to work, to continue studies (also in apprenticeship vocational training organization form), to participate in an internship for all young persons from 15 to 29 years old who are not in employment, education and training within 4 months when they lost a job or graduate (terminate) formal education. When implementing the objectives of initiative, it is planned in each municipality to establish youth information and consulting centres, to develop services provided by open youth centres and open youth spaces, to ensure clear transition of young persons into labour market or education system after unemployment period, inactivity or studies.

40,8 thousand of young unemployed persons up to 29 years old who participate in Youth guarantee initiative, were employed in 2014. 14,1 thousands persons participated in active labour market policy instruments, among them: 2,1 thousands – in vocational training instrument, 10,5 thousands of persons – in supportive employment activities, 1,4 thousands of persons got a support to establish a job, 0,07 thousands of persons participated in local mobility instrument. 6,3 thousands of young unemployed persons started activity according to business licence. It is

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important to implement youth guarantee initiative which aims to ensure that youngsters would study, work or perform practice. Youth initiative working team helps for non-motivated young persons who are still looking for their way in life. Labour market specialists organize various activities about self-knowledge, development of a career. Volunteering is promoted. Various initiatives are organized during which excursions to education institutions are performed and youth are consulted about career development issues.

109 million of LTL were allocated for 2014-2020 from the European Union Youth Employment Initiative to implement this initiative in our country. No less amount for 2014-2020 will be also allocated from European Social Fund.

„Youth guarantee“ initiative principles are already used when implementing European Social Fund financed project „Be self-confident“, which is implemented by Lithuanian Labour Market since October, 2013 together with 30 non-government organizations. During the project social rehabilitation services will be rendered for 16-25 years old youngsters who are not in employment, education or training. These services will be rendered when developing motivation to study or work. Until 1st of November, 2014, 1986 ypungsters not in employment, education or training started to participate in project activities, 777 persons of them (or 40 %) integrated themselves into the labour market or an education system.

When in September, 2014, corrections of employment support law of the Republic of Lithuania came into force, young persons up to 29 years old were allowed to have more possibilities to organize their own business, acquire working experience. The following 3 instruments were legitimized: grants to create a job, a contract of acquisition of working skills and volunteering practice.

In 2014, seven new youth working centres were establihed, and in a such way the network of 29 youth working centres were formed. More than 5,6 thousand of information and educational events were organized for 76,1 thousand of young persons in 2014.

In 2014, it was focused on consolidation of regional youth policy, the inclusion of young persons not in employment, education or training into social life and labour market as well as on the development of volunteering. An intensive long-term support programme for NEET was started to implement in which 1981 young persons of 16-25 years old participated in 2014. In order to increase youth motivation for better integration into labour market, the development of open youth centres and spaces was continued. Activity projects of boards of 13 open youth centres, 20 open youth spaces and 14 regional youth organizations were financed through an open tender. Consolidation plan of Regional youth policy for 2015-2017 was prepared and confirmed.

The department of youth affairs finances the work with youth of 14-29 years old when implementing National youth policy development programme and focuses especially on disadvantaged, less motivated youth. Services of motivation, education of general competences as well as social-pedagogical services are rendered for youth in youth centres and spaces. 9.9 thousand of youth used these services during January-October, 2014, 0,7 thousand of them were persons not in employment and education. Open youth centres and open youth spaces – it is a space where open work with youth is performed, social, pedagogical and psychological services are rendered. These spaces are usually intended to youth from 14 to 29 years old, however it is

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open for other community groups as well. A special attention is drawn to youth with less possibilities, less motivation, when these young persons have no possibilities or do not want to involve themselves in youth activities due to various reasons. In this space, it is important to mention the youth employee who knows youth participation and policy field, can consult and accompany young persons towards implementation of their ideas (project-based activity or planning events). Here young persons can learn more about possibilities of participation, get information where and what possibilities exist, involve into the activity of decision making, be addressed to institutions or departments which can help young persons to solve the challenges. Youth centres have an infrastructure and various tools for youth leisure and development of employment, often participate in international activities. Youth get necessary consulting support, various forms of support are available. Information and consulting is available online. An adult, independent person, for example youth employee, teacher or other specialist, who has necessary experience and knowledge, can help the youth morally and give consultations. During training or other eduational activities, young persons can acquire necessary competences.

When strengthening youth organizations, 92 youth projects and projects of organizations working with youth were financed in 2014 through an open tender in which 40789 young persons participated, 7342 of them were young Lithuanians living abroad. According to National youth volunteering programme confirmed by the minister of social security and labour, volunteering activities were performed by 356 young persons who developed personal, social and professional competences. In order to improve the availability of services to youth, the network of Youth working centres of Lithuanian Labour Market is expanded. It is supposed that until 2016 Youth working centres will render services in all municipalities. During January-September, 2014, in Youth working centres, information and consulting services were rendered to 94,4 thousand of young persons who are looking for a job, 54,3 thousand of youth participated in events and activities of Youth working centres. Youth working centres are divisions of local labour markets responsible for work with youth group. Youth working centres give support for youth when looking for a job, organize training to youth and students, perform vocational guidance, help to organize trips to higher level educational institutions. These institutions have an access and is able to organize persons not in employment, education or training. They have well equipped premises, publicizes information about events and projects perfectly. Activities called „I can“ are organized in Youth working centre for non-motivated unemployed persons. During these activities, self-knowledge skills are developed, strong sides and sides necessary to be improved are revealed, adequate self-assessment is encouraged. Individual action plans are prepared in order to strengthen youth self-confidence and motivation.

Activities of working clubs on various topics are also organized. During them persons discuss about ways of searching for a job, importance of employment documents and etc. Young persons are familiarized with a situation in a labour market, barometers of employment possibilities. Young persons have an opportunity to visit seminars about entrepreneurship which aim is to familiarize persons with self-employment, existing business forms, their advantages and disadvantages. Under self-government level, pedagogical and psychological help model is functioning in Lithuania (54 pedagogical-psychological offices were established).

Information system of children not in education and students who do not attend school is also functioning in Lithuania.

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Under laws young persons have legal basis to participate in the process of policy formation and implementation, perform youth initiatives, volunteering and involve themselves into civil activity.

Activity is performed by youth non-governmental organization (YNGO). Since 2007 there are attempts to access those young persons who do not participate in YNGO activity when developing the field of open work with youth.

Relatively a new form of work with youth – work with street youngsters – is developed in Lithuania.

Also, since October, 2013 The Depaertment of youth affairs together with board of Lithuanian youth organizations, Youth international cooperation agency and 12 non-government organizations implement ESF project “Youth voluntary service”. During the project 16-29 years old persons not in education, employment or training participate in 3 or 6 month voluntary activity and in a such way acquire competences which are usually required by employers: self-discipline, communication, organization, planning, decision making, also experience of a particular job in a particular organization or institution. From the beginning of implementation of the project voluntary activity was performed by 306 persons, 152 of them finished voluntary activity successfully and 53 of them later became employed, 11 emigrated to study and (or) to work, 19 returned or plan to return to education system.

Since 1 January, 2014, new EU education, training, youth and sports programme Erasmus+ was started to implement. The budget of this seven year (2014-2020) programme which aims to improve skills, possibilities of employment and to support the renewal of systems of education, training and work with youth will be 14,7 billion EUR – 40 % more than for former programmes (Lifelong Learning “Active youth” (124 projects were financed, 4651 young persons participated in activities, 1228 of them were persons with less possibilities). The main aim of Erasmus + in youth field is to increase the level of the most important competences and skills of youth with less possibilities, also to encourage them to participate in democratic European life and labour market, to stimulate active citizenship, a cultural dialogue, social inclusion and solidarity.

The aim of European Social Fund (ESF) financed instrument „Increase in Youth employment“ is to involve approximately 45 thousands of young persons from 15 to 29 years old until 2020. Valdas Maksvytis, coordinator of Youth guarantee initiative in Lithuania, submitted the following data: it is expected that 35000 of youth will participate in the instrument until 2018, and from 2018 until 2020 – 10000 persons additionally. more than 20,25 millions of EUR will be allocated this year to implement the instrument, and it is intended 69,17 millions of EUR in total until 2018. 20 millions of EUR will be allocated to the instrument during 2018-2020.

According to 7 priority „Qualitative employment and encouragement of participation in the labour market“ of investment operational programme of European Union Funds for 2014-2020, Lithuanian Labour Market plans are to implement two projects:

The first project will be implemented together with the Department of youth affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. Communication department of Lithuanian labour market informed that project will involve „services of early intervention and youth activity for 15-29 years old young persons not in education, employment and training“. The aim is to allow youngsters to work, participate in an intership or training applying an apprenticeship form.

The second project, according to specialists of Lithuanian labour market, will involve programmes of youth preparation to labour market and increase in employment for unemployed

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persons of 16-29 years old who had already used youth activity services (initial intervention). During the initial intervention all efforts are made that the young person not in education or young unemployed person would get non-subsidised proposal. Educational measures of additional competences are also applied, for example, education of information technologies knowledge or an entrepreneurship. The service of search volunteering site is also rendered as well as training or mentoring during voluntary activity and etc. When a person does not get a proposal within one month, it is offered to participate in secondary intervention – practise integration into labour market by stimulating means. According to secondary intervention vocational training of unemployed persons, voluntary practice, employment giving subsidies to companies etc. are rendered.

It is planned that after the end of programme, 36,8 % of its participants will have a job. 7 % of programme participants, as forecasted, will be self-employed.

Lithuanian Business Confederation together with social partners continues the activity of voluntary activity organization started by Lithuanian business employers confederation in order to continue the idea of volunteering and its popularization among young people, to help youngsters who are not in employement to enter into labour market, to expand their career oppportunities. During this activity, 3-days training are performed where participants acquire practical knowledge about career development, the preparation of CV, learn how to anticipate employer‘s expectations and find a job which hey always wanted. After training, 200 hours voluntary activity is organized in various companies and organizations. During this period it is possible to acquire useful experience both for career and interests because spectrum of volunteering involves fields from planning events to environment protection. At the end of activity, each participant gets a certificate that confirms the participation in the project, new acquired competencies amd experience.

National documents to implement youth guarantees were confirmed: Order of 16 December, 2013, Regarding confirmation of implementation of youth

guarantee initiative plan confirmed by the minister of Social Security and Labour. Cooperation memorandum Regarding implementation of Youth guarantee initiative of 14

January, 2014.Programme of increase in employment for 2014-2020 and action plan for 2014-2016.

Constantly decreasing level of unemployment and new opportunities to youth

These results were obtained after understanding that unemployment problems are not only simple opportunities and financial burden to country, but also social exclusion experienced by a person and psychological problems as well. Therefore, exceptional attention is further drawn to long-term unemployed persons and group of disadvantaged people, who have difficulties in finding a job, being included into the labour market.

 Aspects of NEET problem, as early prevention of leaving a school or links of qualifications

with the needs of labour market are as important as youth employment problem. The following activities are performed for this purpose:

1. Interservice youth employment coordination in Lithuania. The following means are performed when stimulating general youth employment:

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Balancing of supply of education system and need of the labour market, Development of youth working skills in education system (vocational training,

strengthening of practice/internships, apprenticeship, non-formal education through the volunteering),

Support for youth who start their own business, Active means of labour market (support for the first work, employment when

subsidising, sponsorship of acquisition of working skills, learning in a workplace).

2. Prevention of early school leaving.3. Return of persons who do not attend school to schools or training.4. Encouragement of employement of school graduates.5. Improvement of acquired qualification.6. Decrease of practical barriers for employment.7. Support for employers and encouragement of entrepreneurship.

Development of legal base necessary to apprenticeshipThe first act of law which legitimized apprenticeship in Lithuania is amendment law of

Vocational training law of 2007. This law introduces apprenticeship as legal initial vocational training form, however it doesn‘t ensure particular legal regulation of apprenticeship process. This law defines apprenticeship as vocational training in a workplace when responsibility for organization of training is transferred to an employer providing two possible training places: (practical) vocational training is performed in workplace in a company, institution, organization, farm or with individual master; theoretical training can be performed in initial vocational training institutions or other schools.

Particular instructions and requirements for legal regulation of organization of apprenticeship are not submitted in this law as this function should be performed by post-legislative acts of law. For example, the law provides that training of students in apprenticeship form should be performed following the requirements of vocational training programme and rules of students employment defined by companies, institutions, organizations and farms, however there are no information how to combine the requirements of vocational training programme with the requirements of employers.

In order to improve existing regulation of vocational training organization form of apprenticeship, the following projects of acts of law regulating the field of vocational training were prepared:

Amendment project of formal vocational training schedule of procedures (schedule is amended by concepts of master and apprentice, there are also defined how apprenticeship training form is organized in initial and further vocational training, how apprenticeship is performed when an organizer of training is a business company and how it should be performed when the organizer is authorised vocational training supplier).

Amendment project of rules of formal vocational training licensing (the aim of amendments is to refuse the requirement for natural persons who want to perform formal vocational training, to live in the Republic of Lithuania, try to accelerate the issue of licences and offer to join procedures performed by two institutions: performance of expertise, i.e. early evaluation of preparation to perform training programme(programmes) and issue of licence, to shorten the period of licence receiving up to 30 days (instead of former 90). The opportunity to apply once and submit one application to institution that issues licences regarding the evaluation

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of conformity to defined requirements and issue of licence is given to a person who wants to get a licence.

Project of schedule of procedures of formal programmes preparation (schedule regulates the preparation of modular programmes which are intended to acquire the qualification of I-V level of Lithuanian qualification framework).

Schedule of procedures of personal competences assessment confirmed and specified on January, 2015 where evaluation procedures of competences are simplified, and formalization possibilities of competences acquired in non-formal and informal way are regulated.

Prepared amendment projects of acts of law that implement Vocational training law and constitute more advantageous conditions to implement apprenticeship vocational training organization form and increase the extent of practical training in real work places.

To test apprenticeship training form and to prepare appropriate recommendations, in 2013-2015 ESF financed project „Vocational training in apprenticeship form at labour market training centres“ is implemented. It will help to evaluate what apprenticeship organization model would be the most proper for Lithuania. In 2015, it is supposed to train 900 of persons in five labour market training centres (giving priority to youth), more than 95 % of them were trained in 2014. 6 cooperation agreements were signed with associate business structures, that cooperates when solving issues related to legal regulation of vocational training, organization of vocational training, practical training, vocational training in apprenticeship vocational training organization form, vocational guidance in order to satisfy the needs of labour market.

Pilot project „Apprenticeship – possibility to development of export“ is implemented. It is a consulting project based on dual training model, encouraging companies to invest into education of qualified employee. During the project, there are rendered consultations regarding the need of employers of particular compentence in a company, search and selection of employees, application of apprenticeship or other issues important to companies.

The development of practical training in workplaces is accelerated allowing students of vocational training institutions to acquire practical training skills in sectoral practical training centres. 23 centres were opened since 2010 (16 during 2014).

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3. SSGG analysis

Strengths Prepared the draft amendments

according to vocational training law realising law acts and creating the better conditions to realise an apprenticeship as vocational training form and increase practical training in real workplaces.

In 2014 developed law acts‘ projects for a high-quality apprenticeship programme and other training forms in workplaces seeking to improve an apprenticeship form as vocational training form.

It is realised the initiative of youth guarantees and other complex programmes promoting youth occupation.

It is organised and provided professional guidance and motivation services for the people looking for a job. They are provided individually and in groups and it is improved the quality and accessibility for professional guidance services.

The majority of unemployed respondents are motivated to work and get wages. Many of them are determined to do physical work, or to change a profession in order to find a job.

It is realised policies in national level helping for youth to find a job.

It is implemented the increase of apprenticeships as a training form seeking to improve the preparation for practical work of learning youth.

It is invested to the improvement of tchnological competences and qualifications of vocational teachers.

Weaknesses A lack of workers with the youth. With difficulty youth is identifying the

institutions which can help them and provide services for them.

The opportunities for youth providing to participate realising important questions for them are not enough effective.

Cross-sectoral and inter-agency cooperation solving complex problems of young people is not effective.

Too little attention is paid to business start-ups and youth entrepreneurship.

It is provided an insufficient vocational guidance services and /or their quality is poor. Lack of proper vocational guidance and initiatives.

The problem is not solved how to integrate NEET youth who is not registered to the public employment services.

The youth has difficulties integrating to the labour market.

The country has not traditions of apprenticeship training , an apprenticeship law is not enough clear and comprehensive. It is not established the mechanism of financial, informative and organisative support for companies which are implementing an apprenticeship form.A lack of information about apprenticeship advantages and possibilities.

Lack of social partners‘ involvement in the educational process, the assurance of qualitative vocational guidance services.

A low prestige of vocational training and vocational teachers in a society and among potential learners.

Possibilities High youth unemployment and high

demand for qualified employees in the labour market may lead to the interest of young people in vocational education.

Threats It is more difficult for youth to integrate

into the labour market, because they are not prepared for that: a half of young people are unqualified, do not have vocational and 10 %

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It is continued the development f open youth centres seeking to increase the motivation of youth for better integration into the labour market.

It is planned to provide the motivation services for young people and provide occupation opportunities in open youth centres, establish new and renovate open youth centres.

To analise and apply the examples of good practice and difficulties with which collide the countries- members.

The strengthened link between education and labour market is improving possibilities of employment and the ability to adapt.

It is seeking to ensure the compliance of vocational training for the demands of the labour market.

It is realised the projects for apprenticeship training forms. Embracing apprenticeship through project financing in parallel to create continuing funding mechanism.

secondary education. The part of young people do not want

and are not interested in anything. The unemployment problems influence

young people's social exclusion and psychological problems, which become a financial burden to the state.

Motivation to employ most reduces the proposed low wages, disbelief in the government and employers, unfair payment for their work.

Frustration in government and business structures among the unemployed form the culture of poverty, promotes life on benefits.

Lack of vocational education diversity, choices, especially for those who are unwilling or unable to acquire higher education.

Vocational education is still seen as less prestigious.

Lack of support measures that would be awarded to young people from disadvantaged families.

It is constantly missing some specialities workers, young workers' competencies and skills do not meet the labour market needs.

The state does not have a plan which profession employees are not enough.

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4. ConclusionsThe vocational training system in Lithuania is rapidly becoming more modern, while a

significant part of its institutions can already be compared with the best practice in other the European Union countries. The qualification recognision of system quality services and the opportunity to acquire a vocational qualification, to seek a higher education is consistently growing among consumers. It shows the growth of vocational training students' part in recent years.

The number of persons are increasing who are studying at vocational schools according to a secondary education and vocational training programmes. It is rising the part of students who have a secondary education and choose to study at vocational training institutions.

It is growing the number of people who already have a higher education and study at vocational training institutions. Finally, the recognision of vocational training shows an increasing number of employees coming to study and improve their qualifications.

However, only about 33 % of young people (the average of the EU - 50 %) choose vocational training, other young people, who have a general education, choose to study in higher institutions or join to the labour market without vocational training. This shows that the attractiveness of vocational education is still inadequate.

The model existing in Lithuania school-studies-work is inadequate.In order to improve the quality of practical skills and knowledge in 2007 in the law of

vocational training has been legalised an apprenticeship as vocational training form. However, for the implementation of an apprenticeship and its effective functioning in the vocational training system, are not enough institutional and methodological assumptions: there is no a legal base according to which is foreseen clear rights and responsibilities for employers, vocational institutions, apprentices and other participants of the system for the mechanism of an apprenticeship system, operation, maintenance and financing. It is not funding mechanisms involving employers, the state and other stakeholders.

It is realised projects for the development of an apprenticeship training form. It is foreseen in them to assess the form of an apprenticeship training and to make recommendations how to facilitate the development and implementation of an apprenticeship in Lithuania in vocational training system.

Despite the fact that the youth rate of unemployment in Lithuania decreased rapidly from 2005 and it is lower than the EU average, other indicators - economic activity and employment levels show that the country's youth participating in the labour market is not sufficient.

NEET problem in Lithuania has not been thoroughly examined, although certain aspects of the NEET are mentioned in order to reduce intervention measures in separate social exclusion, especially for the prevention at school or acquiring work skills through apprenticeships or traineeships in companies.

The main reasons of youth unemployment in Lithuania are these – the lack of vocational training, work experience or professional knowledge and it does not meet the labour market needs. Lithuania has a lot of young people who cannot find a job. A half of them do not have vocational training education. There are the people, who finished nine classes, do not have any vocational training education. Another problem – it is the other half of the unemployed who are graduates, but their competences do not meet the labour market needs.

Also, there are many obstacles to get involved in occupation that are associated with delinquent behaviour of young people, the need to acquire a secondary education, addiction

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problems and so on. Almost one-third of unemployed young people are not sufficiently motivated or completely unmotivated for a job.

It is believed that one of the reasons of youth unemployment is miscommunication between the secondary education and vocational or higher education - there are prepared superfluous specialists of social fields. It is a problem - there is no need to plan specialists in Lithuania.

Another problem is the competition with the unemployed ,who have a work experience, employing young specialists. The unemployment rate is high not only among young people, but generally in Lithuania. Thus, the employer has the ability to choose employees of several or even several dozen contenders. Some of them have a big work experience, the other - the young and prospective, but without a work experience and so on. The employer's choice is especially influenced by the prospective employee available experience, but the young people, who finished studies, do not have a work experience and it is difficult for them to find a job.

The third problem, which was indicated by employers – too high youth‘s hopes – young people have just graduated from studies and without a work experience require high positions and a good salary.

The fourth reason that employers emphasized - is inadequate preparation for the labour market. The reason – a poor education level. Employers demand that young people join to the labour market already with a work experience.

An early quit from a general education is also one of the factors that prevent young people enter to the labour market.

Lithuania is one of the first European Union (EU) countries, which has taken to implement the EU youth guarantee initiative. During the 2014-2020 programming period the investment to youth employment promotion will be one of the main priorities of the EU and Lithuania. In order to reduce youth unemployment significantly it will be implemented youth guarantee initiative measures under which all the unemployed, non-learning and non-training 15-29 years old young people in 4 months, from formal education and entering to the labour market or after joining to the youth guarantee initiative will be offered a job, to continue their studies, to acquire or improve professional skills, to complete an internship or participate in training through an apprenticeship. According to an individual plan will be worked with each participant and it will be made according to personal needs and a status. The individual plan will cover all the possible activities according to 2014-2020 the European Union funds investment programme and 116 integration into the labour market activities which aims to ensure that a young person could get a job, could learn, carry out an internship or participate in training through an apprenticeship. The youth guarantee facilitate young people's transition from education to the labour market and will let gain demanding skills. It will be provided early intervention, activation and integration into the labour market services in order to encourage NEET youth for education, socialization and employment.

A partnership-based approach especially helps to solve the problems of youth unemployment – next to all territorial labour markets, in customers service departments and committees, formed according to youth guarantee initiative, participate employers and state educational institutions representatives.

The development of youth policy in Lithuania, promoting a social dialogue at level of national and local government, the cross-sectoral cooperation is enhanced providing a priority to youth occupation, the strengthening of youth organisations‘ potential, the development of work with youth.

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More and more attention is paid to the information and counseling of youth on relevant topics for them. It is noted that the vocational guidance and counseling should not only inform which and where training forms can be acquired, but must help young people to recognize their talents and inclinations. A lot of interviewed people who already have a profession/speciality or have already spent several years in order to acquire a particular profession, are still addressing to the labour market, youth employment centres in order to get information about the possible professions, tips how to choose the right profession and so on. It is obvious that they do not use vocational guidance services in time and they consume state resources seeking to find a way into the labour market.

In order to increase the demand of young people into the labor market and promote their occupation, the measure "support for first job" is carried out, according to which the companies which have accepted to a job the people of 16-29 years old, who were employed the first time and were not working under the work contract, it is given the opportunity to receive a benefit to compensate wages of a young person.

In Lithuania the promotion of youth employment is largely financed, it is organised various projects and activities, but often a young person does not even know about the options available to him/her. At present the various institutions and organisations are carrying out the measures in order to reduce youth unemployment, the increase of employment and business. However, it is paid unequal attention and resources for publicity measures and communication is not coordinated and combined with each other. Thus, in order to solve youth unemployment successfully it is important to start talking about the need for inter-institutional collaboration and unified communication benefit. The coordination of activities publicising all available opportunities for young people and a modern marketing is necessary in order to improve the quality of services for young people, improving an accessibility, to motivate them to get involved.

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Web links

https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalActPrint?documentId=499d6de0d84311e4894f9bde45468d3fhttp://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/csr2015/cr2015_lithuania_lt.pdfhttp://www.eesc.europa.eu/resources/docs/qe-01-15-074-lt-n.pdfhttp://www.esinvesticijos.lt/lt/naujienos/jaunimo-nedarbas-liga-sparciai-gydoma-bet-problema-isliekahttp://www.delfi.lt/projektai/duokit-sansa/naujienos/jauni-bedarbiai-kodel-ju-tiek-daug.d?id=64700953http://www.jrd.lt/uploads/leidinys(taisytas_2014.10.07).pdfhttp://www.jod.lt/naujienos/istiesti-pagalbos-ranka-jaunimui/https://www.ldb.lt/Informacija/Veikla/Naujienos/UserDisplayForm.aspx?ID=7158https://www.lietuva2030.lt/lt/renginiai/867-diskusija-jaunimo-uzimtumas-bendros-komunikacijos-svarba2014-2016 actions plan for the develpment of vocational training approved by the Lithuanian Minister of Education on 29th of September in 2014. Order No. V-851. https://www.smm.lt/uploads/lawacts/docs/586_4f6500babcf40acafdb70999adcac4c2.pdf The National Education Strategy for 2013-2022, approved by the Lithuanian Parliament on 23rd of December in 2013. Resolution No. XII 745. http://www.smm.lt/uploads/documents/Veikla_strategija/VSS%20Seimui_2012-09-19.pdfVocational training system features. Lithuania. "Cedefop" research. European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training , 2013.http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/8047_lt.pdfhttp://www.3sektorius.lt/pilietines-iniciatyvos/naujienos/2015-02-18-es-investiciju-nauda-pajus-45-tukst-jaunu-zmoniuhttp://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/817266/jaunimo-nedarbas-lietuvoje-sumazejo-patenkame-tarp-es-lyderiuhttp://www.rinkispats.lt/jaunimasdarbashttp://osp.stat.gov.lt/documents/10180/2246109/Lietuvos_jaunimo_statistinis_portretas.pdfhttp://1psl.lt/ekonomika/2015/05/tyrimas-nedarbo-lygis-pirmaji-ketvirti-lietuvoje-10-prochttp://www.ukmin.lt/uploads/documents/Apzvalgos/Lietuvos%20ekonomikos%20ap%C5%BEvalga%202015%20m.%20kovo%20m%C4%97n.pdfhttp://www.socmin.lt/lt/jaunimo-politika.html

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