Research indicates that for the majority of people, employment constitutes the single most defining aspect of living in American society. Indeed, work has special meaning to the psychosocial development of adolescents, representing an opportunity to gain independence and establish an independent identity, contribute to family finances, acquire prestige, and try out adult roles. Accepting responsibility for self, making independent decisions, and being financially independent have been identified as the top criteria for the transition to adulthood. This process varies in length depending on a variety of circumstances in the adolescent’s life. Things such as culture, family history, and childhood affect the manner in which adolescents respond to employment. Being unemployed has a negative effect on the psychological development and expression of many people. This problem is currently compounded by the volume and length of unemployment that exists today. This chapter discusses the skills and education needed prior to entering the job market including social skills training, communication skills training, problem solving techniques, and vocational enrichment training. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.
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