Challenges of Generation Z: 7.1 million young Brazilians out of the market and schools

According to the survey “Empregabilidade dos Jovens Brasileiros”, carried out by CIEE in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Employment, about 7.1 million young people between 14 and 24 years old do not work or study. The sample had 34 million respondents, and despite the alarming numbers, there are promising signs for the future.

When comparing the first quarter of 2023 with the 2024, there was an increase of 37% in the number of trainees in the country.For Ana Paula Prado, CEO of Infojobs, HR Tech, a leader in technology for HR, the increase of these professionals in the labor market is a direct reflection of the expansion of opportunities that companies offer: “As we analyze the released data, 51% of trainees work in private companies, although we also observe an increase in the public sector.

According to IBGE data, compared to the years 2019 and 2024, there was a drop of 0.8% in the number of young people “nem-nem”. Despite the drop in this number being something positive, it is necessary that efforts to integrate the new generation in the market continue to be made. Among the actions promoted by Infojobs, the online and free event “Infojobs Drives Students” that we are specific so that students of high school and undergraduate can ask questions about how to enter the labor market.“It is essential that young people have space to have space to develop in the work, which is always thinking about the personal, and work, and work that is easy to be more.

Still according to the survey, there are some challenges to be faced, since, among the so-called “nem-nem” (4.6 million), 65% are women, most of them with small children. This gender disparity was also analyzed in a survey released by Infojobs in May this year: 86% of professionals feel that the theme of motherhood is often seen negatively in the professional environment, and 74% left or at least thought of leaving aside work to take care of their children.

For Ana Paula Prado, it is crucial that companies 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 allow more women to remain and thrive in the labor market,”, the expert says.

“The reduction in the number of young people (nem-nem-nem’ is an important step for the socioeconomic development of Brazil. It is necessary to continue investing in education, training and generation of opportunities, to include young people in activities of greater 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 apprenticeships in the market is concentrated in the functions of administrative assistants, production feeders, logistics assistants and cash operators. Although, for the most part, they are vacancies that require some schooling, they are not positions that help young people think about a career path, or support long-term professional growth.

“To change the current scenario and allow our young people to have opportunities to be full professionals in the future, we need to implement training and development programs that not only prepare young people 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 to advancing their careers, so investing in mentoring and mentoring programs is fundamental”, explains Ana Paula. 

In addition, encouraging apprentices and trainees to gain experience in different departments can provide a broader view of corporate operations, helping young people identify areas where they wish to pursue careers. 

It is crucial to ensure that young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to development opportunities. “Inclusion and diversity policies should be strengthened, and the appreciation of the beginner workforce should be encouraged. Enabling the new generation to integrate work environments is the only way to change the current scenario and ensure that in the future, our young people can become complete and accomplished professionals”.