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The CIEE Young Apprentice program is one of the most important gateways to the job market in Brazil. It offers young people between 14 and 24 years old the chance to gain professional experience with a formal employment contract, guaranteed benefits, and simultaneous theoretical and practical learning.
If you want to understand how the application process works, what the requirements are, what to expect during the program, and how to make the most of this opportunity, this complete guide is for you. Keep reading and discover everything about the CIEE Young Apprentice program.
Everything about the CIEE Young Apprentice program.
Before applying, it's essential to understand what the program is, how it's structured, and the rules governing this type of hiring in Brazil. See the main points below.
What is the CIEE Young Apprentice program?
CIEE, the Center for Company-School Integration, is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country focused on integrating young people into the job market. The Young Apprentice program is regulated by Law No. 10.097/2000, known as the Apprenticeship Law.
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Through this law, companies with more than seven employees are required to hire apprentices in a percentage that varies between 5% and 15% of their workforce in roles that require professional training. CIEE acts as an intermediary between companies and young candidates.
Young people hired as apprentices are entitled to a signed work contract, a salary proportional to their working hours, transportation allowance, paid vacation, 13th-month salary, and FGTS (Brazilian severance fund) with a 2% contribution rate. It is a formal contract with all labor rights guaranteed.
Who can participate and what are the requirements?
The program is designed for young people who fall within specific age ranges and conditions. Check the main requirements to participate in the CIEE Young Apprentice program in the table below.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 14 and 24 years old (no age limit for people with disabilities) |
| Education | To be enrolled in and attending elementary or high school, or to have completed high school. |
| Documentation | RG (Brazilian National Identity Card), CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer Identification Number), proof of education, and proof of residence. |
| REGISTRATION | Active registration on the CIEE website or app. |
| Availability | Workload of up to 6 hours per day or 30 hours per week (if still studying) |
It is important to note that young people who have already completed high school can participate up to the age of 24. People with disabilities have no established age limit. Each position may have additional requirements defined by the hiring company.
Rights and benefits guaranteed to apprentices
Many young people have questions about what they receive when they join the program. The table below details the main rights and benefits provided by law for young apprentices.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary | Proportional to the minimum wage, according to the hours worked. |
| signed employment contract | Work and Social Security Card registered from day one |
| FGTS | Monthly deposit of 2% of salary into the Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS). |
| Paid vacations | 30 days of vacation, preferably coinciding with the school break. |
| 13th salary | Christmas bonus proportional to the time worked during the year. |
| Transportation vouchers | Assistance with transportation to the workplace and theoretical learning. |
In addition to employment benefits, apprentices receive theoretical training offered by CIEE in partnership with accredited entities. This combination of theory and practice is one of the program's major differentiators compared to other ways of entering the job market.
Complete guide: how to register for the CIEE Young Apprentice program
Now that you know about the program, it's time to understand the step-by-step process for registering, how the selection process works, what to expect after being approved, and how to stand out during the contract. See the complete guide below.
Step-by-step guide to registering with CIEE.
Registration with CIEE is free and can be done entirely online through the official website or the app available for Android and iOS. Here's how to proceed:
- Access the official CIEE website at ciee.org.br Or download the CIEE app from your mobile phone's app store.
- Click on “Register” or “Create account” and select the option for young applicants.
- Please fill in your personal information: full name, CPF (Brazilian tax identification number), date of birth, address, and contact information.
- Please provide your educational information, including the name of the school and the year you are enrolled in.
- Please attach the requested documents: ID card, CPF (Brazilian tax identification number), proof of enrollment, and proof of residence.
- Confirm your email and complete the registration.
- After registering, access the job openings section and apply for available opportunities in your city.
It is recommended to keep your registration always up to date. Add skills, supplementary courses, and previous experiences, even if informal. A complete profile increases your chances of being selected by CIEE's partner companies.
How the selection process works
After applying for a job, the young person goes through stages that vary depending on the hiring company. In general, the process follows these phases:
- Curriculum screening: CIEE analyzes the registered profiles and selects the candidates that best meet the job requirements.
- Online tests: Some processes include assessments in Portuguese, mathematics, and logical reasoning conducted through the CIEE platform.
- Interview with CIEE: An initial conversation with the center's team to assess the candidate's communication and motivation.
- Interview with the company: Candidates who pass the previous stages are then referred to the company for a final interview.
- Admission: After approval, the young person is hired and receives guidance on the start of the contract and theoretical training.
The time between application and hiring can vary from days to weeks, depending on the company and the volume of applicants. Pay attention to emails and messages sent by CIEE during the process.
Tips to stand out in the selection
Competition for youth apprenticeship positions can be high, especially in large cities and well-known companies. Therefore, it's important to prepare well for each stage of the selection process.
- Keep your registration 100% complete and up-to-date with a professional photo.
- Practice for the Portuguese and math tests, as they are frequently included in selection processes.
- Prepare for interviews by researching the company before attending.
- Demonstrate availability, willingness to learn, and responsibility throughout all stages.
- Dress appropriately and arrive early for in-person interviews.
Even if you are not approved on your first attempt, don't be discouraged. Keep your registration active and continue applying. New job openings are constantly appearing on the CIEE portal throughout Brazil.
What happens after the hiring?
After being hired, the young apprentice begins their practical activities at the company and also starts attending classes in the professional apprenticeship course offered by CIEE. This course is a mandatory part of the program and complements the practical experience in the workplace.
The duration of the apprenticeship contract can vary from 6 months to 2 years, as defined between the company and CIEE. During this period, the young person is accompanied by a mentor and can count on the center's support in case of questions or difficulties.
At the end of the contract, the young person receives a certificate of completion of the professional apprenticeship course. This document is valuable for their resume and demonstrates that the professional has undergone structured training recognized by the Ministry of Labor.
How to renew or convert a contract into a permanent one.
Although the apprenticeship contract is temporary, it can open doors to a permanent position within the company. Many organizations participating in the CIEE program often hire apprentices with good performance upon completion of the contract.
To increase the chances of being hired permanently, the young person must demonstrate commitment, punctuality, proactivity, and a good relationship with the team. Actively participating in practical and theoretical activities also contributes to a positive evaluation by company managers.
- Strictly adhere to the schedules established in the contract.
- Seek to learn beyond what is required, showing interest and initiative.
- Maintain good communication with supervisors and coworkers.
- Request feedback periodically to identify areas for improvement.
- At the end of the contract, formally express your interest in continuing with the company.
Job openings and how to find them
The CIEE portal constantly updates available job openings throughout Brazil. Opportunities are available in a wide variety of fields, including administration, technology, healthcare, logistics, retail, communications, human resources, and much more.
To find jobs that match your profile, use the search filters on the CIEE website or app. You can filter by city, field of work, working hours, and required education level. Apply for as many jobs as you like and track the status of your applications on the platform.
Frequently asked questions about the CIEE Young Apprentice program.
- What is the minimum age to participate in the CIEE Young Apprentice program?
The minimum age is 14 years. The maximum age is 24 years, except for people with disabilities, who have no age restriction to participate in the program. - Is there a cost to register with CIEE?
No. Registration on the CIEE website and app is completely free. Be wary of anyone or any website that charges fees to register for the program. - Do I need to have already completed high school to apply?
Not necessarily. Young people who are still in elementary or high school can also participate, as long as they are regularly enrolled and attending school. - How long does a young apprentice contract last?
The contract can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the position and the hiring company. The term is defined at the time of hiring and is formally stated in the employment record book. - Can a young apprentice be hired permanently by the company at the end of their contract?
Yes. Although there is no legal obligation to make them permanent employees, many companies choose to hire apprentices who have excelled. Performance and commitment during the contract are key factors in this decision.
