RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Fostering Soft Skills in Active Labor Market Programs
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 0723-13013R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.0723-13013R1
A1 Schlosser, Analia
A1 Shanan, Yannay
YR 2025
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2025/01/03/jhr.0723-13013R1.abstract
AB Using a large-scale randomized controlled trial, we evaluate the effectiveness of an Active Labor Market Program that focuses on enhancing soft skills of welfare recipients. The program increased participants’ employment rates and decreased income-support recipiency. The impacts persist five to six years after the program’s implementation, even during the Covid-19 crisis. The analysis of the mechanisms shows positive effects on the soft skills of the participants, mainly among those with no recent employment history, who gradually joined the labor market after participation in the program. In contrast, individuals with a recent employment spell joined the labor market soon after their assignment to the program.