Active labour market policies at combating youth unemployment in Turkey

Especially since 1990s, unemployment has been increasing throughout the world and youth unemployment has become one of the significant problems for both developed and underdeveloped countries indicating higher rates than general unemployment. Advancing technology, information economy and increasing international competition boosted by globalisation since 1980 have affected labour markets and necessitated highly qualified youth labour force in the labour markets. This process has increased the importance of active labour market policies at combating youth unemployment and youth have been determined as the main target of active labour market policies.Turkey has been experiencing serious youth unemployment problems. Turkey has implemented various active labour market programmes and projects at combating youth unemployment since the mid-1980s benefiting the experience of OECD countries.The results of current active policies for youth unemployed are important in producing suitable policies and programmes for youth in future. There is no ?evaluation culture? for active labour market programmes in Turkey. This research is important because of showing the results of the active labour market policies on youth unemployed for the first time in Turkish labour literature.The main aim of the thesis is to examine the effects of ?IT Apprentices Projects? which is one of the active labour market programmes implemented for youth unemployed and the reasons of success/failure and to suggest measures which aim at combating youth unemployment.In this context, Interviews and surveys have been conducted with participants of project and administrators of the ?Turkish Employment Office?As a result of the research, it can be concluded that ?IT Apprentices Projects? on youth unemployment which is one of the active labour market programmes implemented for youth unemployed in Turkey has a minor effect on decreasing youth unemployment and increasing youth employment. The result supports the existing literature in developed and underdeveloped countries.