Validation of a Scale Measuring Future Work Skills in Unaccompanied Foreign Minors: An Exploratory and Confirmatory Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Unaccompanied foreign minors (UFM) represent a sector with great educational needs that requires the development of a series of skills to engage effectively in future work and enable their inclusion within a modern and digitized society. The objective of the present study is to validate a scale designed to measure the skills for future work of a representative sample of UFM in southern Spain (n=390). All participants came from the Temporary Relocation Centre for Vulnerable Groups. Methodology: A quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional and ex post facto study was carried out. FACTOR Analysis® 9.3.1 software and IBM Amos Graphics® 23.0 were used for data analysis. Results: A one-dimensional scale comprising ten skill indicators was developed and produced good fit indices [p < 0.001; KMO = 0.794; GFI = 0.92; AGFI = 0.90; SMSR = 0.046]. Likewise, confirmatory analysis identified items 3 [innovative thinking] and 8 [design mentality] to be the most relevant skills for future work in this group, with item 1 [ability to find meaning] producing the lowest regression weight making it the least relevant. Conclusions: A reliable and robust scale was produced for assessment of the essential skills needed in the educational and work context in a population at risk of exclusion, namely, unaccompanied foreign minors. This instrument will make it possible to conduct preliminary diagnoses and better target the specific needs of this group.