Summary: network meta-analysis of employment and skills interventions

Summary

Youth Futures Foundation commissioned the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, the Institute for Employment Studies and Monash University to conduct a rapid evidence assessment examining six types of youth employment interventions.

Insights were used to inform the development of a Youth Employment Toolkit.

This report summarises information from the REA and provides supplementary qualitative and contextual findings, based on the Youth Futures Evidence and Gap Map, and forthcoming qualitative synthesis of process studies of youth employment interventions (Apunyo et al., forthcoming).

Included interventions:

1. Apprenticeships
2. Basic skills training
3. Life skills training
4. Mentoring/coaching
5. Off-the-job training
6. On-thejob training

Insights

Implementation approaches vary considerably, but some common factors that can support success include:

• Levels of resource that are appropriate for programme ambitions and context.
• Alignment of skills interventions with job opportunities and skills needs in the local economy.
• Strong partnerships between stakeholders, including community
  organisations and employers.
• Personalisation of approaches, especially for young people who face marginalisation or additional barriers to employment