Vocational evaluation and vocational guidance for young people with a history of drug abuse.

The sample was 17 people recruited through services in one district, and the authors say results may not generalize to similar groups elsewhere. Participants chose some aptitude and work sample tests, so some results were based on only a few people and cannot support broad interpretations. The work samples lasted a maximum of one and a half hours, so the team could not observe work habits and tolerance over a full workday. Education and work histories were often missing or recalled poorly, because few brought documents and many could not recall details from more than 5 years ago. All participants volunteered for a vocational readiness program, so they may have been more motivated than young people with drug histories who do not seek such support.

Do not read this as proof that vocational guidance improves employment. It is a small case series of 17 clients, and the authors say the assessment results and guidance suggestions may not generalize.