The International Labour Organization (OIT) published a report called “The Future of Work we want. Young people’s voice and different perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean”.

It is the first approach to the perceptions and expectations on young Latin Americans on the future of work, based on the results of the surveys made.

The report provides novel evidence on the expectations young people have about their jobs, their employment conditions, and their education in the future; on what they think will be the effect of technology on education and work, their perceptions on the changes that will take place in education and training for work, as well as on the effects of these changes on their wellbeing, how well informed they are about the debate on the future of work, the strategies they have about such changes, how confident they are about the future, among other issues of importance.

The results show that young people are very optimistic about the opportunities and working conditions of the future, particularly those who are younger.  Most of them understand that new technologies, robotics, automation will affect their labour future and that the effect will be positive. There is huge confidence on the future.

A large percentage of youth are aware of the fact that they must make a personal effort to get more education and training in order to seize the benefits of future opportunities.

Despite the mismatch in the labour market, the majority of youth think their education will be useful in the future. The report also includes the opinions of public servants, experts and young people, who come from the United Nations System, as well as the Academy and youth organizations.

To sum up, data shows a double edge reality. On the one hand, there is an optimistic perspective and a positive opinion from young people on the opportunities that the immediate future may bring along. This is based on their trust that Latin American countries will create the quality jobs they expect.

On the other hand, these high expectations of social mobility suggest that, if the countries in the region do not generate quality jobs, talent will be wasted and an entire generation will be frustrated, with the impact this has on political dynamics and social agreements.

To read the full report in Spanish, click here.