An Occupational Insertion Program was designed based on exploratory study conducted between 1994-1997. The participants were 563 youth, of both genders, from Porto Alegre, Brazil. The needs' analysis resulted from specific studies of school-work transition itineraries, and aspects of school experience, family, psychosocial, cognitive, and psychological well-being. A discriminant analysis of occupational groups (students, permanent and temporary workers, and unemployed people) was conducted to help to identify the variables that allowed to distinguish between groups. This Insertion Program was composed of three modules: an occupational project, social skills and job search training, citizenship and work consciousness. The Program was developed with a sample of 56 unemployed youth of both sexes, 14 and 18 years-old, registered at state socialagency. Their participation was voluntary. A questionnaire to evaluate the program effectiveness was applied before and after the intervention. The results confirmed the initial hypothesis about program’s efficiency in the development of the occupational project and in the social skills and job search training. However, there were not significant differences concerning work related attitudes and beliefs. It is suggested that this intervention program be used in vocational courses to help improve work attitudes. A follow-up after one year is recommended to evaluate the program’s effects on youth compared to a control group.
Occupational Insertion Program; youth unemployment; psychosocial intervention
