Abstract:

The paper deals with the problems of unemployed youth and graduates. It highlights the social and psychological aspects of unemployment in this at-risk group. The aim of the research is the negative consequences of unemployment and their impact on the unemployed youth on their application in the labour market. The paper presents the primary research findings in the context of other research, studies and knowledge of the professional public on the issue. The research we conducted on a sample of 384 unemployed youth aged 15-26 in the northern region of Slovakia (district Žilina), which is part of the region with the second strongest innovation potential in the Slovak Republic. The data were analysed using statistical methods based on gender, educational attainment and duration of unemployment to find relevant answers to the research questions. The results will be used to find solutions for comprehensive care for unemployed youth. One of the problems identified is the graduate's fear of failure in finding a job. Repeated failure causes fear, frustration and other negative feelings. The mismatch between the labour market supply and the graduate's field of study also appears significant in the research. Employers' requirement of 5 years of graduate experience in the relevant field is also a concern. Unemployed youth are not only confronted with a lack of financial resources. Unemployment can cause a loss of social status and isolation to which the unemployed individual responds differently. It depends on how each individual copes with the burden and, most importantly, how mentally and physically resilient they are to resist this negative social situation. In dealing with these problems, educational institutions play an essential role. Their role is, first and foremost, to provide education according to the needs of the labour market. But their mission is also to ensure that young people develop their personalities to withstand the rigours of entering working life.

Keywords:

Unemployment, unemployed young people, education, work market.