22/10/2013 - Brazil’s strong economic growth has helped cut the youth unemployment rate over the past decade to levels below those of most OECD countries. Increased investment in education and vocational training is also helping young people get a foot in the jobs market, according to a new OECD report.
“Investing in Youth: Brazil”, analyses the youth labour market and education system in Brazil. It highlights innovative measures that Brazil has taken to strengthen the skills of youth and their job prospects, and offers recommendations to improve school‑to‑work transitions.
Launching the report in Brasília with Labour and Employment Minister Manoel Dias, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said: “Brazil’s investment in education over the years and continued efforts to strengthen the labour market and encourage formalisation are bearing fruit. Educational attainment has risen steadily and unemployment is at historically low levels. Giving young people a good start in their working life and encouraging employers to invest in youth will equip the young generation with the tools they need to share in the fruits of economic growth. (Read the speech)”
The report makes three key recommendations for action:
The report highlights several initiatives which are already producing results. Large increases in funding have been accompanied by efforts to achieve a more equitable allocation of resources, attract better teachers into the profession, and offer increased incentives for young people to attend school. Vocational training programmes have been given a boost through the ambitious PRONATEC programme. ProJovem reaches out to school drop-outs, raises their educational attainment and gives them the skills needed in the workplace.