Edinburgh Napier University

  Drawing on the "capability approach" of philosopher and economist Amartya Sen, this paper outlines a small empirical study to identify what kind of intervention may empower unemployed young people. Research interviews were conducted with 14 young people engaged in a support programme. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants reported detrimental effects of unemployment, and associated psycho-social difficulties prior to engagement in the programme. Team participation, overcoming fear, and diverse activities seemed to be powerful experiences during the programme. Growth in confidence, social re-engagement, and reconnection with life-career goals were outcomes of the programme. Whilst there was no single effective component, participants reacted uniquely to experiences, and became better able to deploy their existing personal resources as career capabilities to build their future.