Qualification of high school students for access to the labor market: an experience in the Maré community

Abstract

The contemporary scenario of unpredictability and the recurring challenges to maintain competitiveness have required professionals who are able to develop their skills in the most different contexts. In this sense, employability emerges as a requirement of the market for the search of increasingly effective professionals, updated and prepared to act in organizations. In this regard, young people belonging to the poorest strata are the most disadvantaged because they cannot compete in the labor market for lack of skills. Hence the need to prepare them even during the school period, as this is one of the most efficient and effective strategies for professional qualification. The purpose of this study was to know the profile of high school students at the CIEP 326 Professor César Pernetta State School in the city of Rio de Janeiro and, based on the information obtained, to develop and apply qualification workshops, aiming at access to the job market more efficiently and with a focus on skills. This is a descriptive / exploratory quali-qualitative research. The results indicate that these students come from low income families with little or no knowledge about the ways of reaching the labor market and do not know the skills required by the companies. Most seek an opportunity with a formal contract (65.4%) and a significant percentage (22.7%) intend to open their own business. During the qualification workshops was observed the lack of knowledge and preparation of the students, to take advantage of a job opportunity and behave professionally in the workplace. Actions that help in the professional development plan contribute to the access to the labor market and increase the quality of life as these young people reach employment and income.