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Language training for unemployed non-natives: who benefits the most?

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Helena Kivi

    (Estonian Center for Applied Research (CentAR), Tallinn, Estonia and School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia)

  • Marko Sõmer

    (Estonian Center for Applied Research (CentAR), Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Epp Kallaste

    (Estonian Center for Applied Research (CentAR), Tallinn, Estonia)

Abstract

This study evaluates the local language training aimed at the unemployed in Estonia during 2015–2016. The impact of training on employment probability and labour income is estimated by combining propensity score matching with coarsened exact matching. The impact on the probability of being employed is found to be positive after the end of the lock-in effect. Two years after the start of the language training the effect is around 8 pp. The initial lock-in effect is smaller for more flexible and shorter courses, for those with lower initial level of language skills and for those living outside of the capital region. The long-term effect is higher for those with lower level of initial language skills and does not differ by the course type or region. The results indicate that the local language training helps the unemployed non-natives to find employment, but does not give them access to higher-paying positions.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Helena Kivi & Marko Sõmer & Epp Kallaste, 2020. "Language training for unemployed non-natives: who benefits the most?," Baltic Journal of Economics, Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies, vol. 20(1), pages 34-58.
    • Handle: RePEc:bic:journl:v:20:y:2020:i:1:p:34-58
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    File URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1406099X.2020.1740403?needAccess=true
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Di Paolo & Bernat Mallén, 2022. ""Does geographical exposure to language learning centres matter in a bilingual city?"," IREA Working Papers 202205, University of Barcelona, Research Institute of Applied Economics, revised May 2022.
    2. Di Paolo, Antonio & Mallén, Bernat, 2023. "Does geographical exposure to language learning centres affect language skills and labour market outcomes in a bilingual city?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 429-449.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Language skills; immigrant population; unemployment; programme evaluation; matching;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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