This study reports the results of a community assessment survey regarding youth perceptions in the workforce designed by the Institute for Leadership and Public Policy (ILPP) and administered to youth in the Polog Region of North Macedonia. The results of this report will give the ILPP a better understanding of youth perceptions and engagement in the workforce. The project Empowered Youth-Resilient Economy is implemented by the Institute for Leadership and Public Policy.

The data were collected from surveys administered online. The survey “Strengthened Youth - Healthy Economy” was distributed to youth in the Polog Region and 124 responses were collected. The survey was provided in both Albanian and Macedonian. The information in this report consists of data collected about youth perceptions of the labor market in North Macedonia and their engagement in the workforce.

Findings:

1. 89 respondents replied “Somewhat” when asked if they feel like there are many opportunities in the labor market in North Macedonia. (n=124)

2. 43 respondents replied “Somewhat” when asked if they feel like their education has prepared them for the labor market. (n=124)

3. 54 respondents replied “Somewhat”when asked if they feel like they have been taught professional skills necessary to succeed in the labor market. (n=124).

4. 59.7% of respondents replied “Yes” when asked if they have ever had an internship or job.

5. Of those who have never had a job or internship, 28 respondents said “I do not know where to look for internships or jobs.” (n=124)

6. 100% of respondents replied “Yes” when asked if they thought internships would help get jobs later on in their career. (n=124)

7. 93 respondents replied that “Foreign languages” was a desired skill in the labor market. (n=124)

8. 55 respondents replied “Career counselors or advisors at my school” and “local youth groups/organizations” when asked what resources could help them find an internship or a job. (n=124)

9. 57 respondents replied “Somewhat” when asked if they felt like they understood what employers were looking for and which industries were hiring. (n=124)

10. 109 respondents replied “The salary is too low here” when asked why they thought young people are leaving North Macedonia to find a job. (n=124)