Life begins at forty : a sociological study of unemployment of persons aged 40 years and over in Malta

Abstract

This study sociologically explores the perceptions of the unemployed aged 40 years and over in Malta participating in an employment scheme - the Training and Employment Exposure Scheme (T.E.E.S.). This scheme was funded by the European Union (E.U.) and the Government of Malta. It was specifically designed for this particular age-cohort of registered unemployed workers in Malta and it was implemented between 2004 and 2006. This study also serves as an evaluative exercise of the first phase of this particular scheme - the Core Skills Course - from the participants' point of view. Research results show that, overall, participants rate the Core Skills Course fairly well. Nevertheless, the module on Job-Seeking Skills, and the utility of the course in finding employment are not best-rated. The variables of education and number of household breadwinners had a significant impact on responses, though not in a progressive manner. Those having a tertiary and primary level of education overall expressed more negativity vis-a-vis their employment opportumt1es and status m the labour market, as opposed to those having a basic and secondary level of education. On the other hand, similar to those coming from households with one or two breadwinners, those coming from households having four breadwinners also gave more negative responses, than those coming from households having three breadwinners.