Qualify Policy Recommendations _final

Challenges identified by Low Skilled Adults Low skilled adults have difficulties to cope with the constantly evolving occupational demands of the job market. In addition to their limited capacity to quickly react and adapt to these new job-specific skills and competence, low skilled adults need support in building self-confidence and self-esteem and in helping them change their career direction, if necessary. Testimonial: Lack of opportunities to women: women seeking to return back from maternity leave find it difficult to return to work. This situation is even harder if the woman is low skilled. The job market offer for part time jobs in the participating countries is still very limited. Women from a previous project called MOM have reported that their lack of experience is a barrier to finding employment. Others have also reported that lack of confidence and child-care is a further barrier (MOM project, UK) Lack of targeted support from career advisors – low skilled adults request more assertive and empa- thetic approach from career advisors who would support them effectively in switching careers, finding other employment opportunities or in helping them reflect on their own career development. Testimonial: . “For me professional guidance is a crucial procedure for my development both as professional and person”- (Anon, Cyprus). QUALIFY research shows that Low skilled adults feel that they are at a huge disadvantage in the labour market for having lower educational attainment levels and do not feel comfortable with that. In addition, they find that skills such as foreign languages would help them in obtaining a new job. Testimonial: “Now, I wish I had studied longer when I was young. The market is very competitive and we have fewer chances than the more skilled candidates.” Violeta, SK). “Being advised by these professionals at every step is, in my opinion, what helps me the most in order to find a job, since they know my personal situation and needs”. Estrella García (Prodiversa Progreso y Diversidad – Málaga. Spain) 15 qualifyproject.eu