Many young Brazilians are seeking their first opportunity in the job market, but they don't always know if they meet the program's requirements. The CIEE Young Apprentice 2026 program offers positions for those starting their professional careers, combining study and paid practice.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AND CHECK YOUR CIEE 2026 REGISTRATION »»»
CALENDAR AND VALUES OF THE YOUNG APPRENTICE PROGRAM 2026 »»»
Frequently Asked Questions and What to Do If Denied »»»
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE CIEE YOUNG APPRENTICE PROGRAM 2026 »»»
ACCESS THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS »»»
Basic requirements to participate in the program in 2026.
The Young Apprentice program follows rules established by the Apprenticeship Law, which determines who can apply. The minimum age is 14 years old and the maximum age is 24 years old (not yet 24).
Anyone who has turned 24 or older cannot join the program, except in cases of people with disabilities. For this group, there is no maximum age limit, guaranteeing inclusion in the job market.
Another essential requirement is being enrolled and attending school if you have not yet completed high school. The young person needs to prove that they are studying regularly to keep their place.
School situation required by CIEE
The minimum schooling requirement varies according to age and the type of course offered by the hiring company. Those between 14 and 18 years old must be attending or have completed elementary school.
For positions requiring a high school diploma, candidates must be enrolled in or have completed high school. Some companies accept young people pursuing higher education, depending on the field of work.
CIEE verifies school documentation at the time of registration. Enrollment certificates or academic transcripts are usually requested to verify the candidate's academic status.
Required school documents
- Updated enrollment certificate from the educational institution.
- Academic transcript or report card from the last semester completed.
- Certificate of completion of elementary or secondary education, when applicable.
- Proof of school attendance for the last three months.
Socioeconomic conditions and family income
Although the Apprenticeship Law does not establish a family income limit, many CIEE job openings prioritize low-income youth. Each partner company defines its own selection criteria.
Some selection processes consider the family's per capita income as a tie-breaker. Candidates in situations of social vulnerability may have priority for certain positions.
The program aims to offer opportunities to those who need them most, but it does not exclude young people from other income brackets. The important thing is to meet the established age and education requirements.
Factors that may influence selection
- Family income per capita less than two minimum wages
- Participation in federal government social programs
- Residence in communities or neighborhoods with social vulnerability.
- Family history of unemployment or lack of a stable income.
- Number of dependents in the family nucleus
Who has priority for CIEE 2026 job openings?
Brazilian law guarantees quotas for people with disabilities in apprenticeship programs. Companies with more than seven apprentices must reserve between 5% and 15% of the positions for this group.
Young people who have left the juvenile justice system or are serving sentences also have legal priority. The goal is to facilitate social reintegration through formal employment.
Adolescents in institutional care or foster families receive special attention. CIEE maintains partnerships with social assistance agencies to identify these candidates.
Groups with legal priority
- People with physical, intellectual, hearing, or visual disabilities.
- Young people serving socio-educational measures
- Adolescents in institutional care.
- Ex-prisoners of compatible age
- Beneficiaries of income transfer programs
Situations that prevent participation in the program.
Those already employed under a formal CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws) contract cannot participate as apprentices. The apprenticeship contract is specific and cannot be combined with another formal employment relationship.
Young people who have already completed a technical or higher education course in the area of the desired position are also ineligible. The program aims at initial training, not the professional development of those who are already qualified.
Applicants who were dismissed from previous programs for serious misconduct may face restrictions. Each institution evaluates the applicant's history before accepting a new application.
How to prove that you meet the requirements
Basic personal documentation includes ID card, CPF (Brazilian tax identification number), and current proof of address. Minors under 18 years of age must present authorization from their legal guardians to work.
CIEE also requires a physical or digital work permit to formalize the contract. The digital version can be accessed through the federal government's Digital Work Permit app.
Certificates from supplementary courses, even if not mandatory, can add value to a resume. Volunteer activities and participation in social projects also count towards your score in some selection processes.
For official information on apprenticeship legislation, please visit [website address]. Ministry of Labor and Employment portal and consult the rights and duties of apprentices.
Frequently asked questions about who can register.
Can I register if I'm already 24 years old?
Only people with disabilities can register after the age of 24, with no upper age limit. For other candidates, the maximum age is 24 years old (not yet 24) at the time of hiring.
Do I have to be studying?
Yes, if you haven't yet completed high school, you need to be enrolled and attending school. Those who have already completed this stage can apply even if they are not currently studying, but the theoretical training of the program remains mandatory.
Can college students participate in the program?
It depends on the position and the hiring company. Some accept university students, especially for administrative or technical roles, but priority is usually given to those in elementary or high school.
Can I participate if I've worked before with a formal employment contract?
Previous employment experience does not preclude participation, provided you are not currently employed at the time of registration. The apprenticeship contract cannot be combined with another formal employment contract under the CLT (Brazilian labor law).
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