Page 21 - Guiding-at-risk-youth-through-learning-to-work-Lessons-from-across-Europe

Guiding at-risk youth through learning to work
Lessons from across Europe

This study covers projects, programmes and policies that target compulsory
school-age children and young people that belong to the age group, as defined
by Eurostat, to describe early school leavers (18 to 24). The particular focus of
the study is on 15 to 24 year olds at risk of social exclusion. The European
Commission defines social exclusion as ‘a process whereby certain individuals
are pushed to the edge of society and prevented from participating fully by virtue
of their poverty, or lack of basic competences and lifelong learning opportunities,
or as a result of discrimination’.

1.2. Study method

The study has been carried out in three stages: background research and
mapping, case studies, and analysis. The background research and mapping
summarised the EU policy background and explored the scale and scope of the
problem of early school leaving. The availability and accessibility of mainstream
guidance services to young people was also analysed to set the scene for the
targeted measures which are the focus of this study. This initial stage also
included an extensive mapping exercise, involving a review of European studies,
publications and summaries of guidance and other expert networks, project
websites, and a selection of national research and policy reports. Approximately
180 country reports were reviewed. Many Euroguidance network members also
provided important inputs by offering suggestions of successful practices in their
respective countries.
The background research and mapping was followed by case studies, which
built on the case study suggestions made from the earlier research, and criteria
produced as part of the first stage. They also provided more detailed insights to
inform key findings about trends and successful approaches. The case studies
are primarily from 13 countries (Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy,
Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland and the UK),
although this report includes examples from most EU Member States, Iceland
and Norway.
The final phase of the study analysed the findings from the two earlier stages
and presents the results, with conclusions and recommendations for further
action.

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