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Bilingual caseworkers and on-the-job training: A pathway to integration?

Author

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  • Ottosson, Lillit

    (Stockholm University, Uppsala Center for Labor Studies (UCLS) and UIL, Uppsala University; IFAU)

  • Vikman, Ulrika

    (IFAU - Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy)

Abstract

We study an active labor market program aimed at immigrants with very limited language skills. The program consists of a three-month on-the-job training program in a regular workplace, facilitated by bilingual caseworkers speaking the participant’s native language. The aim of the program is to improve participants’ language skills and to provide labor market experience. We apply dynamic inverse probability weighting to account for dynamic selection into the program. After an initial lock-in effect, we find that the program leads to sizable increases in employment throughout the three-year follow-up period. These effects are explained by both subsidized and regular employment, and are mainly driven by women.

Suggested Citation

  • Ottosson, Lillit & Vikman, Ulrika, 2025. "Bilingual caseworkers and on-the-job training: A pathway to integration?," Working Paper Series 2025:9, IFAU - Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:ifauwp:2025_009
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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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