The Centro de Integração Empresa-Escola (CIEE) in Brazil is launching a digital campaign and organizing protests at the National Congress to safeguard 500,000 job positions under the Young Apprentice program. This action is prompted by the looming threat posed by a legislative amendment proposed by Congresswoman Caroline De Toni, which seeks to exempt 14 economic sectors from the obligation to hire young apprentices as part of a broader push for market freedoms. The potential removal of these hiring quotas could have detrimental effects on youth employment opportunities across Brazil.

The Young Apprentice program has been instrumental in integrating young people into the workforce, providing them with invaluable work experience while they continue their education. With the amendment gaining traction, CIEE's CEO, Humbero Casagrande Neto, has emphasized that the sectors affected, including cleaning, transportation, security, services, and teleinformatics, could collectively result in the loss of half a million apprentice positions. The situation is particularly alarming for those advocating for youth employment, as this demographic is already facing numerous challenges in the current economic climate.

CIEE's proactive stance includes mobilizing students to participate in a public demonstration, or "apitaço," to express their opposition to the proposed changes at Congress. The upcoming protest aims to raise awareness and garner public support for the Young Apprentice program, highlighting its significance in providing young people with essential job skills. As the vote on the amendment approaches, the outcome will be pivotal for the future of youth employment initiatives in Brazil, making CIEE’s efforts crucial to the preservation of these roles.