Off to a good start? Inequalities and policy options for facilitating school-to-work transition among youth

In Latin America, approximately one in four people of working age are young, at 15–24 years old, the age at which most make the transition from school to the labour market. This young population group is a valuable resource for the region with potential to increase economic growth. This document presents indicators that reveal the barriers to access to decent work that exclude young people, mainly those from lower-income households and women. Policy options are put forward to reduce these gaps and facilitate the transition to the labour market with a comprehensive approach that enhances demand, supports supply and facilitates interaction between them.

In a context of multiple crises and enormous needs, innovative and high-impact options should be prioritized, with a comprehensive vision that takes into account the voice of young people. Great individual and collective commitment are needed to create tools that will enable youth to face the challenges of the far-reaching demographic, technological, economic and environmental transformations of the future.