Once a NEET always a NEET? Experiences of employment and unemployment among youth in a job training programme in Taiwan

Ten previous participants in a job training programme, ages between 15 and 20, were interviewed face-to-face to determine why they were not employed, in education or in vocational training (represented by the acronym NEET) at the time, as well as their related experiences. They were also asked about their experiences and opinions regarding the training programme and their ideas about work in general. Results of the study indicate that most of the respondents did not become NEETs by choice; they did so for economic reasons. Most thought the programme was of little practical help to them and did not increase their chances of employment, but that it did give them social and emotional support and helped them feel better about themselves. Many agreed that the monetary allowance offered by the programme was a good incentive for participation. Implications of the findings for social policy and programme development, especially to the socio-cultural context of Taiwan, are discussed. © 2009 The Author(s). International Journal of Social Welfare © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.