The Future of Work We Want: The Voice of Youth and Different Perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean

The report included in this publication is a first look at the perspectives and expectations of Latin American youth regarding the future of work. The report offers some conclusions based on the key results of both surveys, which we hope will nourish and expand the discussion on the future of work.

Both surveys generated new evidence on youth’s expectations with respect to their jobs, working conditions and education in the future. They also provided information on young people’s opinions regarding the effects of technology on education and work, changes that will occur in education and training for work, as well as the expected impact of these changes on their well-being and how much information they have about the discussion on the future of work. Finally, youth were asked about the strategies they will use to respond to these changes and how much confidence they have in the future, among other key issues.

The results reveal an optimistic outlook of youth in terms of employment opportunities and conditions the future will offer them, especially among the youngest group. Most young people believe that the penetration of new technologies, robotization and automation of processes will have a positive impact on their employment future. They have considerable confidence in the future. One hopeful result was that many young people are aware that they need to make a personal effort to acquire education and training to take advantage of the benefits of future opportunities. Despite evidence of mismatch in the labour market, most youth consulted believe that their studies will be useful in the future.