NEET in Italy: Addressing training and employment barriers in a dynamic and uncertain society

Abstract

Introduction: The current global socio-economic scenario has created a sense of insecurity in the new generations, forcing them to make choices that often conflict with their legitimate aspirations in terms of studying, working and achieving their goals. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was used based on 1,152 interviews with young Italians aged 15-34 from three socio-economically differentiated regions with high rates of the phenomenon under study. Results: The results show that the NEET phenomenon is not attributable to passivity or unwillingness, but to the scarcity of opportunities, economic precariousness and disconnection between education and the world of work. Discussion: In this complex dynamic, focusing attention on this phenomenon takes on a very special significance, as the situation of economic, social and geopolitical uncertainty that Europe is going through has increased the percentage of existential ‘limbo’, of generational asymmetry, and risks paralysing the processes of cultural development, political and economic development. Conclusions: There is a clear need for a coherent, integrated and structural policy response, promoting economic investments aimed at improving specialised and vocational training, supporting youth entrepreneurship, guidance and mentoring systems.