Context: It is estimated that 143,684 students are studying in the 87 universities of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. These young people are eager to engage in part-time work and generate income. Increasingly, new job opportunities are emerging, and the Youth Labour Exchange Centre, under the auspices of the Mongolian Youth Federation, is notified of approximately 30 to 50 job offers a day, of which the majority are in the service sector. However, most jobs require potential employees to have prior work experience and professional qualifications. This creates difficulties for students in finding jobs, including part-time positions. Based on the increasing demand for work, the Mongolian Youth Federation initiated the “Part Time Work” Programme in 2013 to increase job opportunities for young people and to provide students with the necessary skills for part-time work.
Implementation of programme/initiative: The aims of the Part Time Work Programme are:
1.To increase employment opportunities for young people and students
2.To provide information and consultations for job seekers
3. To build the skill set of young people and organize a variety of professional skills trainings
4.To facilitate training in part time work
Main challenges: The Part Time Work Programme is challenging as most companies require specific capabilities and competencies in the workplace. For example, for jobs such as waitressing and construction work, certain qualifications are necessary. Additionally, the number of available jobs is low. Another challenge is the lack of accessible information regarding available jobs, as well as the evident gender gap in the youth labour market.
Results achieved: Currently, 15,000 young people have been involved in the programme’s training, and roughly 12,000 have secured regular and part-time jobs. The training offered by the project has increased job opportunities for young people and provided students with education and experience in the job market. Students have also gained the necessary skills for part-time work, which will be an asset both during and after their studies.
Moving forward: The Youth Labour Exchange Center needs to organize more part-time trainings and increase the diversity of those offered, as well as facilitate programmes for youth to acquire the qualifications necessary for skilled jobs. It is recognized that the programme must also strive to increase part-time job opportunities and diversity amongst the part-time jobs currently available in order to appeal to a broader range of students.
Replicability: Other youth organizations, in addition to the Mongolian Youth Federation, should be able to replicate this programme’s approach by following certain key aspects. A core issue that has contributed to the success of the Part Time Work programme, and which can act as a lesson for other initiatives, has been incorporating a youth organization into the search for part-time work. In doing so, students’ individual needs have been met and a broader understanding of skills needed for young people to enter the work force has been recognized. When looking to replicate the programme, it would be important to effectively advertise work for students and substantially increase their knowledge of the availability and scope of job opportunities.
References: Mongolian Youth Federation
Acknowledgements:
This good practice was kindly edited by Ms. Elizabeth Linklater
Project Details
Date: June 8, 2018