Exploring the career guidance needs of male sub-saharan immigrants in the labour market

Abstract

Career guidance for immigrants is an important service to society. It can assist in social justice, inclusion and in mitigating unemployment and filling employment pockets, thereby satisfying labour market demands. For immigrants, it can significantly contribute to their positive transition into the new country. Sub-Saharan immigrants face different barriers during labour market integration, being severely disadvantaged compared to local people. This research explores experiences of SubSaharan Africans in Malta, while integrating the labour market and accessing employment. This research also aims to understand how these barriers can be overcome to support their integration. Individual face-to-face in-depth interviews with eight men of Sub-Saharan origins were conducted to explore their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) was developed by Lent, Brown and Hackett to explain how different individuals form career interests. This study examines how self-efficacy, outcome expectations and goals are affected by barriers and environmental factors male immigrants face, while trying to access the labour market. Lack of knowledge about local language, income support, recognition of qualifications, information, racism and lack of access to legal documentation proved to be environmental barriers in labour market integration. Due to challenging environmental factors, many participants ended up working in entry level jobs, not relevant to their experience in their country of origin. Many participants mentioned how their self-efficacy and perseverance significantly contributed in finding employment. Career guidance can support male immigrants in finding jobs, accessing training, gaining information and reflecting about their career prospects.