SOCIAL-LABOUR INSERTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION

Young people at risk of social exclusion have complex lives and find the transition to working life complicated. This article aims to: a) analyze the life trajectories of young people leaving the protection of residential care institutions; b) examine how certain life experiences can influence the success or failure of their social and professional integration and independence. A multiple case study was conducted. Four young people participated in this study and which involved the tutors of the young people and the entrepreneurs who offered the young people work experience. The case selection took three criteria into account: a) have been in residential care institutions; b) have been in a job placement program for at least 6 months and c) are 16-18 years of age. The study data were collected using qualitative and quantitative techniques and instruments: questionnaires, interviews, insertion plans, worksheets, field notes, control records; this allowed the triangulation of the information and gave the results credibility. The results of the study show that a) the life experiences of young people who leave the residential care cause multiple deficiencies; b) these deficiencies limit their opportunities for personal development, their duration in the job and, therefore, their autonomy. It's necessary to design career development programmes to encourage the labour transition of these young people.