This experimental study in Uganda (Wakiso area, Jinja town and in Iganga) seeks to investigate how barriers in access to information affect search efforts, labour outcomes and aspirations of young jobseekers taking their first step in the job market, and how can these barriers be effectively resolved or reduced. Five vocational training institutes (VTIs) were chosen for this experiment, all of which had previously collaborated with BRAC. The study sample consists of year one students enrolled in these five VTIs.
Researchers: Livia Alfonsi; Mary Namubiru
Partners: BRAC-CEGA Learning Collaborative
Timeline: 2019-2022
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Mary Namubiru; mary.namubiru@brac.net
Context
Jobseekers in developing contexts face a number of search barriers to quality employment. The most recurring ones in the literature range from liquidity constraints for travel costs to the high opportunity cost of search-time due to job availability in the informal sector. In addition to these, young job seekers often do not know how or where to search for jobs, might not understand their skills in relation to what employers want and are likely to have distorted expectations of wage levels and working conditions. Importantly, these barriers are magnified right in the most vulnerable phase of a career – the transition into the labour market. This study seeks to investigate how barriers in access to information affect search efforts, labour outcomes and aspirations of young jobseekers taking their first step in the job market, and how can they be effectively resolved or reduced.
This study is relevant to SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Research Question
How can career-coaching and job search assistance from “the future you” help influence trainees’ expectations and labour market trajectories?
Methodology
This randomised control trial (RCT) design is measuring the impact of career coaching. The sample for the study consists of year-one students from five VTIs (two in Wakiso area, two in Jinja town and one in Iganga), who will be followed from the beginning of their training until their graduation. The overall sample of 1,180 students is made of 80 BRAC trainees and 1,100 non-BRAC trainees enrolled in the five VTIs.
Findings
Study ongoing
