According to the survey ‘Employability of Brazilian Youth’, conducted by CIEE in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Employment, approximately 7.1 million young people between 14 and 24 years old do not work or study. The sample included 34 million respondents, and despite the alarming numbers, there are promising signs for the future.
Comparing the first quarter of 2023 with that of 2024, there was an increase of 37% in the number of interns in the country. According to Ana Paula Prado, CEO of Infojobs, HR Tech, a leader in technology for HR, the increase in these professionals in the labor market is a direct reflection of the expansion of opportunities that companies offer: ‘Analyzing the data released, 51% of interns work in private companies, despite also observing an increase in the public sector. Providing learning opportunities for the younger generation not only strengthens professional qualification but also ensures that sectors remain updated and innovative.’
According to data from IBGE, comparing the years 2019 and 2024, there was a decrease of 0.8% in the number of ‘neither-nor’ youth. Although the decrease in this number is a positive development, efforts to integrate the new generation into the market must continue. Among the initiatives promoted by Infojobs, the online and free event ‘Infojobs Empowers Students’ is specifically designed for high school and college students to get answers on how to enter the job market. ‘It is essential that young people have space to develop personally and professionally, and it is with this in mind that we are constantly creating opportunities for entering the job market to be easier and easier,’ says Prado.
According to the research, there are some challenges to be faced, as among the so-called ‘neither-nors’ (4.6 million), 65% are women, most with young children. This gender disparity was also analyzed in a study released by Infojobs in May this year: 86% of professionals feel that the topic of motherhood is often viewed negatively in the workplace, and 74% have left or at least considered leaving work to take care of their children.
For Ana Paula Prado, it is crucial for companies to create policies to support motherhood and fatherhood, promoting an inclusive and balanced environment. ‘The implementation of support programs, such as extended parental leave, flexible hours, and remote work options, can help reduce this disparity and enable more women to remain and thrive in the workforce,’ says the specialist.
‘Reducing the number of young ‘neither-nors’ is an important step for Brazil’s socioeconomic development. It is necessary to continue investing in education, training, and the generation of opportunities to include young people in activities with a higher technical and technological concentration. By including diverse groups, we can reduce the weight of inequality and ensure a better future for our youth,’ says Ana Paula Prado.
Where to start?
Today, the increase in apprentices in the market is concentrated in the roles of administrative assistants, production feeders, logistics assistants, and cashiers. Although mostly requiring some level of education, these are not positions that help young people consider a career path or offer support for long-term professional growth.
“To change the current scenario and enable our young people to have opportunities to be complete professionals in the future, we need to implement training and development programs that not only prepare the youth for their current roles, but also help them develop skills in areas of future interest. For Generation Z, it is essential to visualize a clear path for career advancement, so investing in mentoring and guidance programs is crucial,” explains Ana Paula.
Furthermore, encouraging apprentices and interns to gain experiences in different departments can provide a broader view of corporate operations, helping the young people identify areas where they wish to pursue a career.
It is crucial to ensure that young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to development opportunities. “Inclusion and diversity policies must be strengthened, and the appreciation of beginner workforce should be encouraged. Allowing the new generation to integrate into work environments is the only way to change the current scenario and ensure that, in the future, our young people can become complete and fulfilled professionals,” concludes.
