Abstract:

The present paper discusses findings from an exploratory study concerning the impact of continuing education of young unemployed holding University/College degrees.
To increase employability and enhance marketability countries deeply affected by the world economic crisis have established adult education for the unemployed. The study’s objectives were to assess: educational enhancement and increased employability of the participants, after attending a six week course (100 hours) on Entrepreneurship and Managerial skills. This educational rescue measure was implemented in the Cypriot society through the financial assistance of the European Social Fund, the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus, the Ministry of Labor & Social Insurance, and the Cyprus Productivity Center.
Purposive sample was used with 178 respondents. Of the sample 72% were females, the age ranged from 23 to 30+, of them 50% were at 23-25 age range, 66% had graduate degrees. The participants were given an hourly subsidy. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used. Semi structured interviews were conducted and a survey instrument was administered (after the completion of the program). At the time the study was conducted, 84% were still unemployed.
The results of the study provided a good indication of the high satisfaction levels of the participants for the course and the ten seminars that composed it. The vast majority expressed the need for longer seminars for topics such as: Marketing, Human Resource Management, Labor Law, Computers and English language refresher seminar. They all agreed that the program contributed greatly to the enhancement of their academic knowledge. They suggested that they needed more information on starting up a business. Furthermore, the majority stated that they would have preferred hands-on experience on some issues, and inviting guests from industry and for an assessment at the end of the program. Lastly, the vast majority stated that they were very satisfied with the quality of teaching. Additionally, there were comments on how de-motivated they felt when entering the program as they were psychologically down, and how the program itself had helped boost their self esteem. Some stated that it had helped them improve their interpersonal communication skills, and that they were leaving the program more hopeful and optimistic for successful employment opportunities.
Furthermore, 98% believed that their unemployment was due to the economic crisis, 70% have been unemployed for less than a year. Their preferred types of jobs were: 41% governmental, 41% private and 18% semi-government. 42% of them sent out more than 10 resumes. 39% attended at least one interview and 50% got negative responses, furthermore, 40% refused the offer due to low salaries or they disliked the job they were offered. 83% believed that they would have been employed if they lived outside Cyprus. When asked if they had the opportunities to attend higher degrees, would they remain in the same field, the sample was split into half. Additionally, 76% stated that unemployment deeply affected them and that they were financially depended on their parents, 68% stated that they needed extra qualifications to become more marketable.
The paper contributed to the research on the education of the young graduate unemployed in a country where similar research is sporadic.

Keywords:

Young unemployed, educating the unemployed, adult education and workability.