  We analyse the distribution and the flows between different types of
employment (self-employment, temporary, and permanent), unemployment,
education, and other types of inactivity, with particular focus on the duration
of the school-to-work transition (STWT). The aim is to assess the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy on the careers of individuals aged 15-34. We find
that the pandemic worsened an already concerning situation of higher
unemployment and inactivity rates and significantly longer STWT duration
compared to other EU countries, particularly for females and residents in the
South of Italy. In the midst of the pandemic, individuals aged 20-29 were less
in (permanent and temporary) employment and more in the NLFET (Neither in the
Labour Force nor in Education or Training) state, particularly females and non
Italian citizens. We also provide evidence of an increased propensity to return
to schooling, but most importantly of a substantial prolongation of the STWT
duration towards permanent employment, mostly for males and non Italian
citizens. Our contribution lies in providing a rigorous estimation and analysis
of the impact of COVID-19 on the carriers of young individuals in Italy, which
has not yet been explored in the literature.
