Which Course Works for Whom? Evaluating Different Types of Training for the Unemployed

Training is a key instrument of active labour market policy to combat unemployment and ensure an adequate supply of skilled labour. However, previous studies rarely distinguish between different types of training, offering limited guidance on effective programme design and targeting. We evaluate six major training programmes for unemployed individuals in Austria and apply text mining and machine-learning to develop a refined classification based on course content, provider type, completion status, training intensity, and target group orientation. Our results show substantial variation in effectiveness by programme design and participant characteristics. Human capital-intensive vocational training – particularly courses in technical and skilled trades, administration, and care-related fields – proves most effective. In contrast, short, activation-focused job search training yields only weak effects.