Abstract
BACKGROUND: While abroad (ex-) substance users' employment opportunities have received considerable research interest, in the Czech Republic only a few works have addressed this topic, specifically with respect to aftercare centres. AIMS: In cooperation with three Prague aftercare centres, to survey and describe the characteristics (strengths and weaknesses) and employment experience of their clients in relation to the labour market.
METHODS: Combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods - an original questionnaire. The data analysis was carried out using open coding and descriptive statistics.
SAMPLE: The basic population comprised all the clients of the Prague-based aftercare centres at the turn of the years 2011 and 2012 The total number of respondents was 43. The respondents' average age was 31.
A quarter of the sample had completed the elementary (basic) level of education. RESULTS: A total of 14 persons(30.2%) had a criminal record.
They were especially individuals with lower education, with 25% suffering from a mental disorder. A total of 33 persons could work with a PC, 28 also spoke a foreign language, and 66% had a driving licence.
At the time of the data collection, the study population included 25 individuals who were employed. They had all found their jobs within three months.
For this target group, having a job meant stability and certainty intheir lives, as well as a source of income. A total of 26 persons had had more than three employment experiences.
Their ideas of monthly pay were fairly realistic. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study looked into the issue of aftercare clients' competitiveness on the labour market.
It explored their employment experience and barriers and assets in finding a job. The complications that are often referred to were not confirmed.
The data analysis method used made it impossible to describe any correlations between variables. Employers' views would be needed to arrive at a more comprehensive picture.