Youth employment and non-cognitive skills

Non-cognitive skills such as internal locus of control, self-efficacy and self-esteem are increasingly recognized as critical for youth labour market success. Drawing on evidence from Benin and Ethiopia, this brief shows that work experience – through job training programmes or necessity-driven employment following economic shocks – can meaningfully strengthen these skills, even when short-term economic outcomes do not improve. Job training reduces the acceptance of violence and strengthens individual agency, while youth work experience enhances resilience and mental health. These findings highlight non-cognitive skills as a key but often undervalued benefit of youth employment policies