The "Talent Journey" in Active Labour Market Programmes: Practitioner-Assessed "Placeability" and Employment Outcome

Abstract

This exploratory observational study examines the association between a multidimensional “placeability” rating assigned by Labour Market Operators at the beginning of the pathway and employment status recorded at follow-up. The sample comprises 232 unemployed adults enrolled in active labour market programmes delivered by an accredited vocational training provider in 2024–2025. Employment status was verified in April 2026 through the regional employment portal. Overall, 107 participants (46.1%) were employed at the end of the pathway. The recorded employment rate was 58.5% among participants with a rating of 6–10 and 32.1% among those with a rating of 1–5 (crude risk ratio = 1.82, 95% CI [1.34, 2.49]; crude odds ratio = 2.98, 95% CI [1.74, 5.12]). Although this difference neither demonstrates the existence of a causal relationship nor, by itself, establishes the validity of the assessment instrument adopted, it shows how the formulation of a professional judgement informed by assessments of project development, communication, working-time availability, mobility, and individual constraints contributes to the more accurate identification of individuals regarded as “placeable” in terms of unadjusted employability. Bringing these practice-derived findings into dialogue with the theoretical and pedagogical framework of the “Talent Journey” has resulted in the identification of seven levers intended to improve guidance practice. The findings indicate the need for further investigation into the interaction between technical training, project development, situated constraints, and professional judgement in employment services.