Issues in the Employment of Early School Leavers

A good deal of previous ESRI research was directed at the situation of school leavers and the factors easing the transition from education to working life. This study looks at this topic from the employer's point of view. A detailed survey of employers shows some 70 per cent have never employed an early school leaver. Those who have, recruited them mainly for lower skilled positions. They felt the main problems encountered by these young people in employment relate to the poor level of education and skills attained. Employers felt that in general young people have good personal skills but need much better pre-employment training.