Identification and Prediction of the Latent Class of Employment Preparation among College-Graduated Unemployed Youth: Focusing on Differences by Residential Area

Abstract

This study aims to identify latent class types of job preparation among college-graduate unemployed youth and examine factors influencing each type. Data from the 14th year of the Youth Panel Survey, conducted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Employment Information Service, were used. A total of 592 college-graduate unemployed youth aged 19 to 34, excluding current students, were selected as participants. Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data. The analysis revealed three types in metropolitan areas: 'Skill Preparation Type (5.1%),' 'Exam Preparation Type (19.9%),' and 'Stagnation Type (75.0%)'. In metropolitan areas, the types identified were 'Employment-Exam Mixed Type (3.7%)' and 'Stagnation Type (96.3%)'. Factors predicting each type included age, household income, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in metropolitan areas, while age and self-efficacy were factors in non-metropolitan areas. Notably, individuals in non-metropolitan areas, and older youth in particular, were more likely to belong to the 'Stagnation Type'. Based on these findings, this study discusses implications and customized support measures for job preparation types according to residential areas.