Fostering aspirations among youth outside education and employment – A qualitative study on coaching professionals’ perspectives

Abstract

Young people who are not engaged in education or employment represent a heterogeneous population facing a range of complex and multifaceted challenges. Interventions targeting this group are commonly framed within the context of active labour market policies. However, a growing body of research underscores the need for more comprehensive and individually tailored support approaches. This paper examines a coaching intervention Nuotti, which is a vocational rehabilitation service for young people not in employment, education, or training. Our study adopts a professional perspective and draws on individual interview data from 17 Nuotti coaches. Using the capability approach as an analytical framework, we demonstrate how individual coaching fosters the capabilities for voice and aspiration. Coaches help youth envision their futures, foster self-perception, manage daily life, maintain mental well-being, and connect with support networks. Based on the results, we argue that Nuotti coaching reflects elements of transformative social policy by empowering youth to pursue futures they value.