How is the generation that is currently preparing for employment in Latin America
In Latin America, youth unemployment doubles that of adults, and more than half of young people who work do so under informal conditions. In this context, better understanding their strengths and challenges is not a theoretical exercise: it is a necessary condition for designing more effective training programs.
Within the framework of the Plan my future program, we analyzed 1,387 psychometric tests conducted with young people between the ages of 15 and 20 in five countries in the region, in partnership with Nawaiam.
The objective was not to label, but to understand. The assessments used make it possible to identify behavioral trends and work styles. The analysis is based on four simple dimensions (DISC behavioral model): how a person approaches challenges, how they relate to others, how consistent they are in their tasks, and how much they value organization and rules.
These variables help to understand in which environments young people may feel more motivated and where they have greater potential for development.
A generation driven by collaboration
The results showed a clear and consistent pattern across the region: an empathetic, collaborative, and service-oriented profile predominates. Nearly 50% of participants show styles linked to teamwork, consistency, and supporting others.
The three most frequent profiles were:
Assistant (24.4%): organized, responsible, and reliable young people.
People-Oriented (11.9%): empathetic and focused on group well-being.
Receptive (11.9%): good listeners, methodical, and consistent.
Far from the stereotype of an impulsive or overly competitive youth, the data reveal a generation that values stability, purpose, and collaborative work.
In the methodology used, the “Assistant” profile does not refer to a subordinate role. It describes young people with high consistency and a strong orientation toward quality: individuals who finish what they start, sustain processes, and take care of teamwork. These profiles are especially valuable in areas such as healthcare, education, administrative management, operations, and services.
A challenge: developing leadership and autonomy
The analysis also shows a relevant finding: profiles naturally oriented toward strategic decision-making represent approximately 2.5% of the total.
This does not imply a weakness, but rather a clear training opportunity. If we want to strengthen youth leadership, autonomy, and entrepreneurial spirit, these skills must be intentionally developed within educational programs.
Regional similarities and local nuances
Although the overall trend is homogeneous across Latin America, each country presents particularities:
Argentina shows a stronger social and human interaction component.
Mexico stands out for patient and structured profiles.
Colombia has the highest percentage of organized and execution-oriented young people.
Chile combines structure with interpersonal closeness.
Peru shows the highest regional concentration of methodical and stable profiles.
These differences make it possible to adjust career guidance and training strategies according to each context. Understanding what young people are like today makes it possible to enhance their strengths, design more relevant training experiences, develop the skills demanded by the labor market and generate a sustainable impact on their employment outcomes.
Through our job readiness programs, young people across Latin America and the Caribbean develop self-awareness tools, identify their skills and interests, work on their life project, and design a concrete job search plan. The programs connect school with the world of work, include guidance on the most in-demand competencies, and strengthen key skills such as communication, decision-making, and confidence.
Since 2019, more than 65,000 young people in the region have participated in this training experience, which is delivered in both in-person and virtual formats, with the support of teachers and corporate volunteers.
Youth employability is not improved through diagnosis alone. It is strengthened when diagnosis is translated into concrete training, support, and real opportunities.
