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Fostering Soft Skills in Active Labor Market Programs: Evidence from a Large-Scale RCT

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  • Schlosser, Analia
  • Shanan, Yannay

Abstract

We evaluate the effectiveness of an Active Labor Market Program that focuses on enhancing soft skills of welfare recipients using a large-scale RCT. The program increased participants’ employment rates and decreased income support recipiency. The effects persist five to six years after its implementation, even during the Covid-19 crisis. The analysis of the mechanisms shows positive effects on participants’ soft skills, mainly among those with no recent employment spell, who gradually joined the labor market after participation in the program. In contrast, individuals with a recent employment spell went back to employment soon after their allocation to the program.

Suggested Citation

  • Schlosser, Analia & Shanan, Yannay, 2022. "Fostering Soft Skills in Active Labor Market Programs: Evidence from a Large-Scale RCT," CEPR Discussion Papers 17055, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:17055
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Almp; Soft skills; Noncognitive skills; Program evaluation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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