Since 1989, several factors have increased the expected length of education in the Czech Republic. The traditional system of public schools was supplemented by private and denominational schools. Additionally, the proportion of students only attending secondary vocational schools decreased significantly, while the proportion of students attending secondary schools with matriculation examinations and then enrolling in tertiary education increased significantly. The education system, however, retained a strong relationship between a student's education attainment and his/her socio-economic background. After 1989, stratification of the education system became even more pronounced. The upper-secondary system retained its structure. However, in compulsory education long academic programmes appeared (six-year and eight-year gymnasia), schools received more autonomy, and in order to attract students, schools offered classrooms with specialised curricula. Nevertheless, curricula and teaching approaches have not undergone any significant changes.

Structural changes in the Czech economy are indicated by the redistribution of employment among economic sectors. Employment shares in industry as well as in agriculture have decreased to shares comparable to the Western European Union (EU). However, the service sector still remained relatively small. Labour force participation rates dropped during the transition period and unemployment rates increased. The decrease in employment was most pronounced for women and young people. Flexible employment forms have evolved, but only minor parts of the labour force are affected. Unemployment exhibits large regional differences. It is especially strong among the Roma minority. Labour market entrants, approximated as the youngest age group of 15-24, comprise the category most exposed to unemployment. This is a source of concern among young people without matriculation diplomas.

During the early transition period, active labour market policies (ALMPs) in the Czech Republic were focused on the subsidisation of private sector job creation and public works, and not towards activation schemes. Only in 2005 were measures enacted to assist working people. This chapter explains in more detail the development of education, the labour market and welfare in the Czech Republic during 1990-2006.

Education system

Structure of the Czech education system

Overview of the Czech education system after the Second World War

Shortly after 1948, basic education was universalised in Czechoslovakia. Formal education began at the age of six and was provided for in basic schools. After graduation from compulsory basic schools, increasingly large proportions of students attended one of three main tracks of secondary education: gymnasia, secondary technical schools and secondary vocational schools.