Introduction and Relevance
From September 5 to 7, the Virtual Job Fair will take place, offering over 10,000 job opportunities for young Latin Americans along with workshops to enhance employability. More than 100 companies from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela will participate, although registration is open to all individuals aged 18-30 across the region.
The job fair is organized by Nestlé as part of the X Encuentro de Jóvenes de la Alianza del Pacífico, with additional support from Arcos Dorados, Arca Continental, KPMG, Cencosud, Telefónica, Ara, Banco de Chile, and others.
Key Participants and Their Commitment
Eva Pérez, Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Mexico, states, “This is the year with the most company partners in the job fair,” reflecting many companies’ commitment to young talent.
Registration is now open on the Creadores del Cambio 2025 initiative page, and young individuals with or without work experience can apply. Opportunities include training programs such as trainnes, internships, dual education, and entry-level positions.
Workshops and Professional Development
Beyond job connections, the virtual fair will provide workshops and talks to help young professionals navigate their careers. A notable addition this year is LinkedIn’s participation, offering sessions to optimize profiles and stand out in a competitive job market.
Live sessions with CEOs from participating companies will share professional experiences and answer questions from young attendees. Past editions have helped incorporate youth into formal employment and developed new training programs for in-demand skills.
Latino American Youth’s Labor Landscape
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Latin American and Caribbean youth employment is marked by high informality rates. Young workers are twice as likely to lack access to social security and decent working conditions, including wages and benefits.
Moreover, youth unemployment is three times higher than adult unemployment in Latin America and the Caribbean, as reported in the ILO’s Juventud en Cambio: Desafíos y Oportunidades en el Mercado Laboral de América Latina y el Caribe report.
Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizes that youth employment access gaps directly impact regional development. Inclusive employment policies are needed to facilitate young individuals’ transition into quality jobs.
Additionally, there is a shift in required skills and a gap between market competencies and youth training. Despite valuing education for improved employability, many young individuals struggle to access jobs aligned with their qualifications.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Virtual Job Fair? It’s a three-day event offering over 10,000 job opportunities and workshops for young Latin Americans from more than 100 companies.
- Who is organizing the event? Nestlé, in collaboration with Arcos Dorados, Arca Continental, KPMG, Cencosud, Telefónica, Ara, Banco de Chile, and others.
- Who can participate? Individuals aged 18-30 from Latin America and the Caribbean can register, regardless of work experience.
- What additional benefits are offered? Workshops, talks with CEOs, and LinkedIn sessions for profile optimization.
- What challenges does Latin American youth face in employment? High informality rates, lack of social security access, and skill mismatches between job requirements and youth training.
