The purpose of this study is to analyze the status of career planning, employment and career
development among young women with a high school diploma, and to recommend related
youth employment policies. The research methods applied are: review of previous studies
and policy documents; statistical analysis; questionnaire survey; and holding advisory
group meetings. Immediately after graduating from vocational high school, women enjoy
greater employment opportunities and higher quality of job than do men. However, after
five years the gender gap in employment opportunities, job stability, and compensation
begins to widen and women become bound into more unfavorable conditions. The majority
of female workers with a high school diploma are less determined to sustain their present
employment status and see a lower chance of developing their career to a higher level.
Based on the results of analysis, this study recommends: improving the governance of youth
employment policies and gender balance; prevention of career disruption among female
workers with a high school diploma; improvement of conditions for combining work and
learning; support for young female graduates from general high schools; introducing a
lifelong career education for female high school students; and follow-up studies on
employment and career development among young female workers with a high school
diploma.
