Editorial Comment:

Focus of Study

This research project undertook evaluation research with 300 providers of ‘Choices and Access’ Schemes which were co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) in 1994. Projects which secured funding were managed by a range of public, and some private sector bodies, including Training and Enterprise Companies (TECs), voluntary bodies, further/higher education institutions, local authorities, and provided guidance, counselling and/or job-search support which was aimed to help recipients enter jobs and/or training.

Key findings

The most common client group targeted by projects (81%) were long-term unemployed adults. Other groups included people living in inner cities (55%), people needing help with basic literacy/numeracy (54%), lone parents (54%).

Outcomes for clients - indicated by project managers/organisers who responded (222) – included that on leaving guidance and counselling projects, an average of one in five (22%) got a job; three in ten clients (31%) went on to further and higher education; 17% went on to a training course, and 17% were unemployed – the destination of a further 17% was unknown. Other important ways that it was reported that projects had helped clients included enhancing their personal development (64%), increasing awareness of educational/training opportunities (49%), and improved job search skills (37%). In terms of other labour market additionality, many respondents indicated that this was difficult to assess because of the complexity of identifying the unique contribution the project had made.

Additional comments

The evidence in the report was primarily obtained on a self-report basis with some validation from other sources. However, the report does provide some evidence about the stated effectiveness of these projects with challenging client groups.