Programs such as the Adolescent Apprentice program are great allies for young people in gaining a foothold in the job market
On April 24th, the International Day of the Young Worker is celebrated, a date that reinforces the importance of guaranteeing opportunities for adolescents and young people to enter the job market in a dignified and qualified manner. The date was established on the initiative of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to highlight the importance of this insertion. In Brazil, the two main ways of entering the world of work are through internship and apprenticeship programs, which are governed respectively by the so-called New Internship Law, established in 2008, and the Apprenticeship Law, established in 2000.
In line with this purpose, the Ramacrisna Institute’s Adolescent Apprentice program in Betim stands out as an initiative that has been consolidated for over 20 years and has already transformed the lives of 5,506 young people through professional training and entry into the world of work. Since its creation, it has offered vocational training courses and referrals to the first job. The impact is significant: around 80% of participants are hired at the end of their apprenticeship contract after having had experience as an apprentice, which represents a real turning point in the lives of these young people, as well as an increase of around 25% in family income.
The program’s coordinator, Aline Consuelita, explains that the program goes beyond training and directing these young people towards the job market, it is a tool for social transformation. “The program is a milestone in the lives of our young people. It not only offers technical training, but also prepares them for the adversities they may encounter along the way. The teenagers learn about responsibility, teamwork, ethics and so many other fundamental values for the market and also for personal growth,” he explains.
Opportunity that transforms
Rayane Pereira, 19, is an example of how the program makes a difference in people’s lives. She began her journey at the age of 14, when she became an apprentice at a company in her town, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. “Ramacrisna’s Adolescent Apprentice program was a major turning point in my life. When I started, I didn’t have any maturity, I didn’t know how to behave or communicate in a company. And I saw how the program could really help me. I dedicated myself, worked hard, learned about technology and business routines. “ she says.
“Through the program, I began to see the outside world through different eyes. I’m from a small town and didn’t have access to many things. There, I saw that I had the potential to grow and I seized the opportunities. I soon stood out and was invited to become an apprentice at Ramacrisna itself, in the communications department. There I discovered myself, was made permanent and have grown more every day,” says Rayane, who today, as well as being an inspiration to many young people in the program, has become a mentor to other apprentices in her sector.
Rebecca Oliveira is one of them. A communications apprentice, she sees the program as a chance to change her reality. “I’ve had wonderful experiences with Ramacrisna. I’ve always wanted to learn and work, and I identify a lot with the institution. This is my second experience as an apprentice through the program, and now in an area that I really identify with and want to pursue as a career. It’s been incredible and I want to grow more and more professionally, I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” she says.
How to join
The success of the Ramacrisna Institute’s Adolescent Apprentice project is the result of a support network made up of educators, partner companies and, above all, young people willing to learn and grow. Over the course of two decades, the program has reaffirmed its essential role in the formation of citizens who are aware, prepared and protagonists of their own stories.
To join, candidates must register with the program’s Talent Bank, where young people can register their CV and wait for an opportunity according to the demand from partner companies. According to a profile analysis, the young people are recommended to the companies for interviews.
Another gateway is the Young People of the Future project, a preparatory course in which these young people are trained and learn important concepts to start their journey in the job market, such as ethics, customer service, interpersonal relationships and public speaking, for example – entry is through a selection process.
The benefits of the program also extend to companies. By hiring an apprentice, you not only contribute to the training of young people, but you will also have professionals with a qualified and motivated workforce, which can bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. What’s more, by complying with the Apprenticeship Law, the company will receive tax incentives. According to the Institution’s Impact Report, the average amount saved by companies is approximately R$2,404.00 with each recruitment.
