Traditional labor market assessments are valuable. Yet experts’ assessments may overlook key factors that influence young people’s decisions in the labor market.

In contrast, when young people play a leading role in conducting these assessments, they draw upon their experiences and needs to inform the focus of the research. Their involvement helps obtain crucial information from other young people, who may be more comfortable engaging with their peers than with adults.

The youth who lead the research gain invaluable leadership skills, soft skills, and research skills. This improves their job prospects and promotes an inclusive perspective in their lives.

This publication offers step-by-step guidance, a framework for facilitating an assessment, lessons learned from a pilot assessment, and tools to support the process.