Fewer young people unemployed

In 2007, unemployment among 15 to 23-year-olds not attending any form of education was 9 percent. That is far below the level of 2005, when 15 percent of young people were unemployed. The chance of finding a job for young people with a starter qualification was twice as high as for those who lacked a starter qualification.

Unemployed 15 to 23-year-olds not attending any form of education *

Most young people are unemployed for only a short period of time

Last year, 25 thousand young people who no longer attended any form of schooling or training were looking for jobs. Most of them are unemployed for only a few months, which is not surprising, because after finishing their education it takes some time to find a job. Yet, nearly one quarter are still unemployed 12 months after leaving school.

Average period young people are unemployed, 2007*

More successful with starter qualification

In order to operate successfully on the labour market, it is important for young people to be qualified at least at havo, vwo or mbo-2 level, the so-called starter qualification. The unemployment rate among young people without a starter qualification was twice as often high in recent years as among those who lacked a starter qualification.

Unemployment among young people with and without a starter qualification*

Francis van der Mooren