The differential effects of work experience during vocational college on employment and wage outcomes

This study analyses the impact of work experience during college on employment and wages among vocational college students. The findings suggest that work experience gained during college has a positive impact on employment success. However, the average wage level for participants in work experience was found to be 6.3% lower than that of non-participants. This disparity is attributed to the fact that short-term jobs do not significantly contribute to the development of professional knowledge and skills. Based on these results, the study suggests policy implications for providing youth with work experience opportunities that offer substantial and practical benefits. Furthermore, this study offers insights applicable to international labour markets and economies facing similar youth unemployment issues, highlighting the importance of systematic experiential learning.