Youth Disengagement From Education and Employment Poses Major Risk to Israel
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A recent OECD report reveals a concerning rise in young Israelis who are not in education, employment, or training, increasing from 17% to 20% over the past decade. This trend contrasts with other OECD nations and indicates a problematic transition from school to adulthood, posing risks to Israel's economy and social cohesion. The article outlines potential solutions including early intervention in schools, enhancing vocational training, and providing tailored support for various population groups.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The percentage of young Israelis not in education, employment, or training has risen to 20%, up from 17% a decade ago.
- This trend is worsening in Israel while declining in other OECD countries, indicating a significant gap.
- Educational disparities begin in early childhood and widen, impacting social mobility and future earnings.
- Young people without a high school diploma earn 47% less than the average wage.
- The article calls for improved early intervention, vocational training, and tailored support for at-risk youth.
- Addressing this issue is crucial for Israel's economic growth and social solidarity.
A growing number of young Israelis are neither studying, working, nor undergoing vocational training, a trend that has worsened over the past decade, according to an OECD report presented on September 29. The rate of these "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people in Israel has risen from 17% to 20% in the last ten years. This is in contrast to other OECD countries, where the average rate has decreased from 16% to 13%. Additionally, the percentage of 24- to 25-year-olds in Israel who have not completed high school has increased from 9% to 11%, while it has fallen in other developed nations.
This trend signifies a flawed transition from school to adulthood, posing personal, social, and economic risks to Israel, which relies on its youth as a primary engine for growth. While unique Israeli circumstances like military service, extensive religious studies, and general uncertainty contribute, the widening gap with other nations cannot be ignored.
The problem originates much earlier, with educational disparities emerging in early childhood and expanding over time. Children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds face greater difficulties in accessing higher education and social mobility. Significant gaps also exist between Jewish and Arab students, and between Haredi and secular students.
Young individuals who do not complete high school earn, on average, 47% less than the national average wage. Vocational education in Israel is often perceived as a secondary option, with training programs not always aligned with employer needs, and pathways from vocational training to higher education are nearly impossible. Geographic and socio-cultural factors further exacerbate the issue, as limited access to transportation, training institutions, and employment opportunities in certain areas restricts young people's prospects.
To address this, the article suggests several solutions: investing in early childhood education, implementing early warning systems in schools to identify at-risk students at ages 14-15 and provide them with personal mentors and academic support, and elevating the social standing of vocational education by connecting programs to employment, fair wages, and genuine advancement opportunities. Furthermore, the state must plan for transition phases, offering personalized support to young people not continuing to higher education or military service. Tailored educational policies and support are also needed for specific populations, including transportation, training, and Hebrew language studies for the Arab community, and core studies and early vocational skills development for the Haredi community. Ultimately, Israeli society must broaden its definition of success beyond academic degrees, ensuring all young people possess skills, opportunities, and a path for social and economic progress.
