Abstract
With a focus on the engagement of “labor-demand side” actors such as local employers, this work examines the development of employment and training opportunities in the Support for the Self-Reliance of Needy Persons. The main issues are as follows : ⑴ clients and activity details of the employment support programs, ⑵ contents/roles of pre-application visit and practical training in the workplace, and ⑶ actions of support staff to encourage employer engagement. Analysis of how the embedded agency of support staff, as a workforce intermediary, influences the program details is particularly important.
The following findings were derived : ⑴ Work preparation support programs are served for clients with serious problems in finding a job. ⑵ Pre-application visit and practical training in workplace opportunities are not abundant, and certified job training programs have few participants due to physical and psychological barriers. ⑶ Although the support staff struggle in finding supportive employers, they are trying new approaches to encourage employer engagement, utilizing knowledge and connections built through past experiences, as well as resources of other programs of the municipality.
