How we work - Dream Learn Work

Dream Learn Work offers the next step: professional skills development and the support to enter the formal job market. We do this by organizing and running a number of activities and events to help young people to dream of a better future through education (DREAM). We sponsor vocational training at recognized educational institutions, using our experience-based training model (LEARN). In order to close the cycle we also organize work related activities, with the support and collaboration of corporate partners, bringing participants closer to the labour market (WORK).

DREAM

Many young people from poor, low-income areas in Rio de Janeiro lack a basic understanding of what their professional opportunities are. They have very few professional role models, or none at all. Levels of crime and drug-trafficking are high. Youth run the risk of losing their lives and futures to opportunities for short-term gains. That is why we need to encourage young people to choose education, inspiring them to dream of a better future through learning and work.

Dream Learn Work encourages the choice of education through information and inspiration meetings at our NGO partners and external activities, such as motivational workshops, visits, and seminars.

LEARN

Dream Learn Work sponsors vocational training at recognized educational institutions. Our main partnerships are with SENAI and SENAC. These schools offer a wide range of training opportunities, and are recognized by their industries. This ensures that Dream Learn Work participants receive high quality training. In 2015, we broadened the the range of training opportunities. Before we offered training in primarily technical subjects. Since then we have included other areas such as administration, communications and gastronomy in a response to the weaker demand for labour in the maritime and oil & gas industries; and furthermore, to be able to better offer the best suited training for each participant. In order to monitor progress, we have implemented individual follow-up of all students. This means that they are advised, supported and motivated during their training. This has produced positive results in completion rates and is an attempt to increase our focus in developing life skills.

Our goal is to offer vocational training, and build competencies that the labour market seeks, such as IT and English.

Dream Learn Work has developed a model for training that all participants need to follow. They need to demonstrate motivation and dedication to complete each level and proceed to the next. Courses are in a range of areas, and each participant follows their own educational journey. All courses give a qualification and a diploma.

Level 1 – Basic knowledge and introduction to a subject. Aim: Assess skills and motivation. Ex: Introduction to Electrotechnics – Elementos de Eletrotécnica.
Level 2 – Longer courses, following the introductory course. Aim: Prepare for an entry level position in a company and to follow on to a technical course. Ex: Electrical Commands – Comandos Elétricos.
Level 3 – Advanced course. Aim: Attain a technical qualification. Ex: Technical in Electrotechnics or Technical in Automation – Técnico em Eletrotécnica ou Técnico em Automação.
Level 4 – University degree. Ex: Electrical Engineering – Engenharia Elétrica.

WORK

Dream Learn Work actively seeks to differentiate and to increase our participants’ opportunities in the labour market. We do this through active recruitment initiatives to companies, such as promoting candidates to vacant positions and internships, building a corporate network of HR professionals, and by sharing employment opportunities with our students through social media. Some of our participants work in Dream Learn Work partner companies.

We are always gathering data on the employment status of active students and, by the end of 2016, 40% of our participants were formally employed with 59% in positions relevant to education.

It is important to point out that many of our students are still studying and, because of that, working outside of their area of qualification. Some are in search of their first job, however, Brazil is in an economic downturn and youth employment has decreased.

PARTNERSHIPS

Dream Learn Work enjoys and nurtures strong local ties with our partners. Many partners have been part of our network since the beginning in 2006, others joined more recently, reflecting the growth and development of Dream Learn Work.

SOCIAL PARTNERS
(NGOS)

Dream Learn Work today has six local social partners in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. The NGOs are essential in sustaining support to our target audience, as we work in cooperation to recruit youth from less developed neighborhoods.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Educational partners provide training to our participants and are vital to the success of our program. Vocational education and training can ease entry into the labour market and provide youth with more learning opportunities. Our main providers are SENAI (National Service for Industrial Training) and SENAC (National Service for Commercial Training), institutions recognised by their respective industries. neighborhoods.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

At Dream Learn Work we prioritize developing in-depth partnerships, and have identified many different areas and activities that both support our work and serve to engage and motivate employees. Our partners contribute in many different ways:

Financial Partners

Corporate Partners

ADMINISTRATIVE PARTNERS

	Law-firm. Ensures that we operate within the laws and regulations of Brazil. www.kincaid.com.br
	Accounting. Ensures that we deliver financial reports to the tax authorities, and that we adhere to accounting rules and principles of Brazil. www.sjteixeira.com.br
	Communication agency. Provides communication and web web services. ww.zoomout.com.br