A new portrait of the Brazilian labor market lays bare a problem that goes far beyond a lack of job openings. The groundbreaking research "Common Horizon," by Instituto PROA, reveals that the main challenge in youth employability lies in the mismatch between expectations, social reality, and corporate practices that remain far too exclusionary.
With more than 500 participants spanning young people and employers, the study shows that the desire to work exists, and it is strong. About 75% of young people say they want to build a career, but nearly half do not know how to take their first steps in the formal job market.
On the other hand, companies continue to operate with traditional models that engage little with the reality of this youth. The research points out that employers still treat young people as a homogeneous group, ignoring factors such as social background, access to education, and cultural differences, which hinders effective inclusion.
Another striking finding concerns the work environment. Only 36% of young people feel welcome in companies, while a significant number report negative experiences, such as disrespect and lack of recognition.
Hardship outside the corporate environment also weighs heavily. Most young people live on family income of up to two minimum wages and face basic limitations, such as lack of adequate space for study or remote work. This scenario directly impacts job performance and retention.
For companies, the problem is usually interpreted as lack of preparation or commitment. However, the study suggests the opposite: high turnover and difficulty retaining staff are more closely linked to the absence of growth prospects, unwelcoming environments, and lack of structured development programs.
The arrival of Artificial Intelligence adds a new layer to the debate. While viewed as a tool for innovation, more than 70% of companies still do not discuss its impacts in a structured way, especially in entry-level positions.
Among young people, the use of technology is already a reality, but in a disorganized manner and without guidance. The result is a paradoxical scenario: AI can open doors, but it can also reinforce exclusions, especially when used in automated selection processes without inclusive criteria.
The study concludes that the problem of youth employability does not lie solely in technical qualification, but in structural, symbolic, and relational issues. The solution, according to PROA, hinges on a key concept: mediation.
This means building real bridges between companies and young people, reviewing recruitment practices, investing in training, and above all, recognizing that productive inclusion does not happen through discourse alone, but through concrete change in structures.
In the end, the question that remains is not whether young people are prepared for the market.
It is whether the market is ready for them.
Credits:
Content based on the research "Common Horizon: Youth and Employers on the Productive Inclusion Agenda," developed by Instituto PROA.
Learn more and access the full material at:
https://www.proa.org.br
