This study investigated how young apprentices evaluate professional insertion through their first job and what changes they identify in their lives from this experience. A focus group interview with four young apprentices from Santa Catarina (two boys and two girls), who were between 14 and 16 years old, was held. As main positive aspects there were the increase in maturity and personal organization, more social recognition (in work and family), skills acquisition, personal change and the impact of work on career choice. Main negative aspects were lack of time, neglect of their own health and the difficulty with the constant changing of classes and teachers. Identify the perceptions of these participants contributed to a better understanding of their personal and professional development, and provided feedback for the institutions that promote youth-employment approach and to companies that receive them. Further studies of larger scope can expand the aspects considered here.
Adolescent; Labor market; Work; Vocational choice
