Synthetic: Youth in Transition Survey: Cycle 1, 18-20 year old cohort

<p> Please note: This is a Synthetic data file, also known as a Dummy File - it is NOT real data. This synthetic data file should not be used for purposes other than to develop and test computer programs that are to be submitted by remote access. Each record in the synthetic file matches the format and content parameters of the real Statistics Canada Master File with which it is associated, but the data themselves have been 'made up'. They do NOT represent responses from real individuals and should NOT be used for actual analysis. These data are provided solely for the purpose of testing statistical package 'code' (e.g. SPSS syntax, SAS programs, etc.) in preparation for analysis using the associated Master File in a research Data Centre, by Remote Job Submission, or by some other means of secure access. If statistical analysis 'code' works with the synthetic data, researchers can have some confidence that the same code will run successfully against Master File data in the Research Data Centres. </p> <p> Starting in 1996, Human Resources Development Canada and Statistics Canada began developing the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS). Consultations took place with representatives from federal government departments with an interest in youth policy, provincial ministries and departments of education and labour, practitioners working directly with youth (teachers, counsellors, school board personnel and social workers), employers, business and education associations, academic researchers, youth and parents. The result of these consultations was the development of the YITS as a longitudinal survey to collect policy-relevant information on the school-work transitions of young people, and the factors that influence such transitions. </p> <p> Two different age cohorts were included in the YITS. The first, a cohort aged 15 years old, was selected to collect information about adolescents as they begin their secondary school experience. The second cohort aged 18 to 20 years old was selected to provide information on the post-secondary and labour market experiences of young adults. </p> <p> The broad objectives of the Youth in Transition Survey are:</p> <p> - to examine key transitions in the lives of youth, such as the transition from high school to postsecondary schooling and the initial transition from schooling to the labour market; <p> <p> - to better understand educational and labour market pathways and the factors influencing these pathways;</p> <p> - to identify educational and occupational pathways that provide a smoother transition to the labour market;</p> <p> - to examine the incidence, characteristics, factors and effects of leaving school;</p> <p> - to understand the impact of school effects on educational and occupational outcomes;</p> <p> - to examine the contribution of work experience programs, part-time jobs, and volunteer activities to skill development and transition to the labour market;</p> <p> - to study the attitudes, behaviours, and skills of young people entering the labour market;</p> <p> - to gain a better understanding of the determinants of post-secondary entry and post-secondary retention, including education financing;</p> <p> - to better understand the role of educational and labour market aspirations and expectations in investment in further education and career choice; and,</p> <p> - to explore the educational and occupational pathways of various sub-groups, particularly youth "at risk".</p>