Evaluation of the Young Apprentice Program through a Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

In Brazil, the youth workforce presents an exploratory relationship, without focus on the quality of professional training. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of the Young Apprentice Program in the life of adolescents, 15 to 18 years of age, in terms of professional development, employability, and self-effi cacy. A quasi-experimental study was carried out, with two data collection moments-at the start of the training and six months later. A total of 250 adolescents from the program (experimental group) and 259 non-participants (control group) were studied. The professional development, employability, and self-effi cacy scales presented evidence of psychometric validity. To compare the research groups, mixed ANOVA, 2 (group) X 2 (time), with repeated measures (intra-subject), was used. The results indicated that the program aids professional development, employability and self-effi cacy. Suggestions for improving the program and refl ections regarding public policies aimed at High School Education are presented.