SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF LABOUR MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR TRAINING

This paper examines the subjective assessment of the labour market opportunities of young people (aged 18-35) who are not in employment, education or training in Lithuania. It consistently discusses the latest theoretical discourses and empirical research on NEET youth and presents the results of a sociological study (questionnaire survey) on youth life chances conducted in Lithuania in 2023. The results of the survey (N=161) revealed a subjective perspective on the necessary qualities and opportunities for employment. The study found that employment opportunities are often limited by a mismatch between individual characteristics and personal circumstances, such as family commitments or health conditions. Nearly two-thirds of respondents agree that professional competencies, such as high professional qualifications, are important for finding a suitable job. The research was carried out within the framework of the Lithuanian Research Council-funded research project "Socio-economic factors of differentiation of life chances of Lithuanian youth in Lithuania" (reg. no. S-MIP-22-42, contract date 2022-03-18).