According to the "Employability of Brazilian Youth" survey conducted by CIEE in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Employment, approximately 7.1 million young people aged 14 to 24 are neither working nor studying. The sample included 34 million respondents, and despite the alarming numbers, there are promising signs for the future.
Compared to the first quarter of 2023, there was a 37% increase in the number of interns in the country. For Ana Paula Prado, CEO of Infojobs, HR Tech, a leader in HR technology, the increase of these professionals in the job market is a direct reflection of the expansion of opportunities that companies offer: "When analyzing the released data, 51% of interns work in private companies, although we also observe an increase in the public sector. Providing learning opportunities for the younger generation not only strengthens professional qualification but also ensures that sectors stay updated and innovative."
According to IBGE data, compared to the years 2019 and 2024, there was a 0.8% decrease in the number of "neither-nor" young people. Although the decrease in this number is a positive development, efforts to integrate the new generation into the market must continue. Among the actions promoted by Infojobs, the free online event "Infojobs Boosts Students" is specifically designed for high school and undergraduate students to ask questions about entering the job market. "It is essential for young people to have space to develop themselves both personally and professionally, and it is with this in mind that we are constantly creating opportunities to make entering the job market easier," says Prado.
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 whom have young children. This gender disparity was also analyzed in a survey released by Infojobs in May of this year: 86% of female professionals feel that the topic of motherhood is often viewed negatively in the professional environment, and 74% have left or at least considered leaving their jobs to take care of their children.
For Ana Paula Prado, it is crucial that companies create policies supporting 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 stay and thrive in the labor market," says the specialist.
“Reducing the number of ‘neither-nor’ youth is an important step for Brazil’s socioeconomic development. We need to continue investing in education, training and the creation of opportunities to include young people in activities with a greater technical and technological focus. By including diverse groups, we can reduce the burden 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 being vacancies that require some education, they are not positions that help young people think about a career path or provide support for long-term professional growth.
"To change the current scenario and ensure that in the future our youth have opportunities to become well-rounded professionals, 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 for career advancement, so investing in mentoring and guidance programs is fundamental," explains Ana Paula.
Furthermore, encouraging trainees and interns to gain experience in different departments can provide a broader view of corporate operations, helping 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 reinforced, and the appreciation of beginner labor 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 youth can become complete and fulfilled professionals," he concludes.
