This ILO and World Bank joint publication shows that investments in labour market programs for young people pay off!

The systematic review is the outcome of combining results from evaluations of 220 youth-focused active labour market programs (ALMPs) conducted around the world since 1990.

Here the key findings:

• ALMPs have significant positive impacts on youth employment and earnings.


• ALMP impacts in Low- and Middle-income countries appear larger for younger and vulnerable groups.


• More recent programs report bigger impacts on average.


• Key design features of effective programs include soft skills training and certification.


• Globally, youth entrepreneurship and training programs show the largest impacts.


• Local and regional programs often report better results than national programs.


• The intervention types that work best vary by country income group.


• While evidence remains limited, three in four cost-effectiveness studies find that benefits outweigh costs in the long run.

Download the full publication here.

For more global and country-level reports that provide guidance for policy makers, practitioners and researchers around the world visit YouthForesight.
The knowledge facility for tools, publications, databases and resources to support evidence-based action in favour of young people’s education and skilling, employment, entrepreneurship and engagement.