Skills Survey

The Skills Survey collects data on the numeracy, literacy, and logical reasoning abilities of youth in Nampula, Northern Mozambique. The survey targets youth aged 18-30 who are currently un- or underemployed, defined as individuals who are either unemployed or employed in precarious jobs. The survey aims to understand how limited information about their own skills influences youth’s job search and employment outcomes. Specifically, it investigates whether: i) Learning about one’s skills relative to peers influences job-seeking behavior, ii) Receiving a skills certificate increases the likelihood of obtaining decent employment. By assessing skills such as numeracy, literacy, and logical reasoning, the survey seeks to identify limited information as a key factor influencing youth employability and job-seeking strategies. Understanding how individuals perceive their skills in comparison to their peers may lead to different behaviors in job searches and employment outcomes. Personalized skills certificates will not only provide youth with tangible recognition of their abilities but also aim to enhance their confidence and employability by clearly demonstrating how their skills compare to those of their peers. The study will be conducted in three phases: 1. April 2025: A baseline survey to assess employment situations, 2. June 2025: First skill assessments, followed by the issuance of personalized skill certificates, 3. November 2025: A follow-up survey to evaluate the impact of the skills information on employment outcomes. The baseline survey is currently being conducted with 670 youth by the NGO MUVA. The next step, scheduled for June 2025, is to administer the skills assessment to 350 youth and provide personalized skill certificates indicating how their skills compare to those of their peers. To be able to analyze the causal effect of the certificates, a follow-up needs to be implemented, which is planned for November 2025.