This section describes the types of information collected within the training section of the NLSY97 questionnaires. Through these questions, the surveys examine formal training experiences of respondents outside of their regular schooling. Alone, these data do not provide a complete picture of the entire training investment of an individual because they do not cover regular schooling or informal training; however, the data will help researchers to examine which types of formal training programs assist youths in acquiring skills and securing employment. The training section, addressed only to respondents 16 years of age and older as of the survey date, explores what kind of training youths obtain, where and when they are trained, how the training is paid for, and what skills are acquired.
In general, the training section collects information on each training program with which a respondent is involved. The Youth Questionnaire asks all respondents who were at least 16 years old whether they had ever participated in any occupational training programs outside of their regular schooling. For each program, the survey then collects basic information, including the type of program, start and stop dates, time devoted to the training, periods of nonattendance lasting a week or longer during training sessions of at least two weeks, and whether the program was completed (and if not, the reason). Starting in round 2, the survey confirmed the data from the previous round and then collected these details about programs taken since the last interview.
An extended series of questions explores the financial aspects of the training program. Specifically, respondents are first asked if any aspect of the training was provided by a government program. They also state whether they received any allowance or additional money for participating in the training. Respondents are then asked whether they or their families paid any fees for the training program and whether they used any student financial aid or loans--and the amount of that aid or loan--to help pay for the training. Examples of financial aid or loans include Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOGs), or scholarships. Finally, respondents are asked whether an employer helped to pay for the training. If an employer did pay, the respondent is questioned on whether the training was required by the employer and the main reason that he or she undertook the training (e.g., promotion, obtain a license/certificate, look for a new job).
The next series of questions explores the content of the training program. Information is collected on whether any skill tests (i.e., reading, writing, math) were given upon enrollment in the program and what types of assessments (e.g., exams, skill demonstrations) were used to measure progress in the program. The surveys also explore the types of certificates, licenses, or degrees the respondent received from the program and the types of skills learned through the program. Respondents are questioned about any classes taken while enrolled in the training program to improve their reading/writing/math skills, to get their GED or high school diploma, or to learn English.
The surveys also collect data on additional activities the respondent was participating in while involved in a training program; these include vocational training for a specific job, job search assistance classes, on-the-job training, work experience, or other classroom training for a certain job. Specific questions about these activities gather which one the respondent did the most, the job trained for if involved in on-the-job training, and the types of services offered in the job search assistance classes. The skills learned in job training sessions are also recorded; respondents report learning or improving their computer skills, team work skills, health or safety procedures, equipment operation or repair, sales or managerial skills, sensitivity training, etc.
Types of Training Providers. Information is collected on the type of organization providing the training in which NLSY97 respondents participated. Types of training providers include the following:
Adult Basic Education (pre-GED program)
Apprenticeship program
Business or secretarial school
Community or junior college
Correspondence course
Formal company training run by employer
GED program
Government training
Nursing school (LPN or RN)
Seminar or training program outside of work
Seminar or training program at work run by someone other than employer
Vocational rehabilitation center
Vocational, technical, or trade school
School-based: K-12, including ROTC (round 1 only)
In addition, information on school coursework and school-based learning programs is recorded in the schooling section of the instrument and is collected for all respondents. See section 4.2.3, "School-Based Learning Programs," and section 4.2.4, "School Experience," for more information.
| User Notes: Beginning in round 3, some of the information about the respondent's training programs is organized in the TRAINING roster. Information about the structure and use of rosters is provided in section 3.2 of this guide. |
Created Variables. To summarize information on training programs, several variables are created for each round. The first variable (CV_TRN_CERT) states whether the respondent received a vocational license or certificate other than a GED as a result of any training program. For the most recent certificate or license, a pair of variables (CV_TRN_CERT_DATE) lists the month and year that it was received.
Comparison to Other NLS Surveys: Information on training programs has been collected from the NLSY79 respondents in each survey. Although the earlier surveys focused on government training programs, the questions in later surveys are very similar to the NLSY97. Children of the NLSY79 age 15 and older were asked comparable questions in 1994-2004. Questions about training both on and off the job were also asked of Original Cohort respondents in most surveys. Users should consult the appropriate cohort's User's Guide for more information about exact questions and universes.
Survey Instruments: These questions are found in the training section (question names begin with YTRN) of the Youth Questionnaire.
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Related User's Guide Sections |
4.2.3 School-Based Learning Programs 4.2.4 School Experience 4.8.1 Assets & Debts |
| Main Area of Interest | Training |
| Supplemental Areas of Interest |
Achievement Tests Assets & Debts Income Industry &Occupation Jobs & Employers |