The training and work experiences of young apprentices: challenges faced in reconciling work and scholl

Abstract

Young people have been the most affected by the process of flexibilization of employment relations, unemployment, precarious work and violence. Concern for employability has becomes the central focus of public policies aimed at young people in Brazil, with professional training policies being one of de main alternatives. In recent years, the number of young people entering the job market as young apprentices has increased, constituting one of the mais gateways to accessing their first job in Brazil. The objective of this article is to reflect on the training and work experiences of young apprentices, to understand what it means for they have to reconcile the world of work with school and youth life at such a young age. The methodology was based on qualitative research carried out in one of the training institutions in Salvador that serves young apprentices. Participant observation was used, following two training groups for two years, and narrative interviews with through letters with pictures that referred to themes of daily life such as family, school, work, young life, etc. The results of the research indicate that while participating in the Professional Learning Program does not guarantee young people a future insertion in the job market, on the other hand, it brings important transformations in the lives of the these young people from the outskirts, allowing them to recognize themselves as subjects of rights, learn to express themselves, to have a voice, etc. It is also concluded that some entities that offer professional training to young workers, such as the institution researched, have educational practices anchored in the principles of an emancipatory education enabling training that goes beyond mere instrumental training aimed at training the workforce.