| Hello, *|NOME|* The theme of productive inclusion and employability has been the object of study by IMDS. The idea is that well-done vocational training should be an important mechanism for insertion in the labor market and social mobility for the poorest, especially for those whose access to quality higher education is more difficult. Therefore, we have studied the subject in different ways. A technical note published by IMDS (see here) analyzes several policies and programs aimed at youth employability, including the causal impact of these interventions on insertion in the labor market, formalization rates and income. The collection of training and labor intermediation programs present in our Impact Platform is growing (see, for example, here). In partnership with researchers Raphael Corbi (University of São Paulo - USP) and Matheus Leal (Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger - MDS) we have been studying the medium-term impact of the federal Young Apprentice program on formal employment and income (see here). In addition, we are developing research on the Into the Future "Partiu Futuro" program (learning axis in public agencies), within the scope of the Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the state of Rio Grande do Sul (see here). In line with these studies, IMDS formalized in June an important Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Secretariat of Economic Development (SDE) of the state of São Paulo, with the objective of building and strengthening a policy of productive inclusion and employability. This agreement marks the beginning of a work plan structured in three main goals, which aim to analyze, design and evaluate the proposed intervention to improve access to the labor market and foster income generation in the state. The first goal of the work plan focuses on the analysis of the design and structuring of the integrated policy. In this stage, a diagnosis of the problem faced by the current policy and how it aligns with the expected results will be carried out. This includes the construction of the program's Theory of Change, an important analysis tool, which shows how activities generate certain products and results, based on certain premises. The identification and investigation of risks related to the intervention are also part of this process, ensuring a solid foundation for the next phases. The second goal focuses on the design of the intervention monitoring system. Based on the findings of the first stage, this phase consists of four sub-stages: definition of the monitoring scope, construction of indicators and collection methods, systematization of monitoring, and support in systematic evaluation. This system will be essential to monitor the implementation and results of the policy, allowing for continuous adjustments and ensuring the effectiveness of the intervention over time. The third goal is the ex-ante evaluation and feasibility analysis of impact evaluation, which seeks to measure the potential impact of the policy and verify the feasibility of further evaluation. To this end, simultaneous analyses of the previous goals will be carried out, using systematic reviews and simulations to estimate the expected impact. In addition, the scope of the evaluation will be defined, and a detailed plan will be prepared, aiming to ensure that the objectives of the policy are achieved. In this context, IMDS held a workshop at the end of July that had the engaged participation of 14 members of SDE-SP and was dedicated to defining the priorities of the policy object of the agreement. The preparation of this workshop was based on an analysis of the regulations of the Secretariat's programs, the pillars of action, the objectives of the coordinators and the guidelines discussed in work meetings. The objective of the workshop was to identify a list of policy priorities, based on a comprehensive set of obstacles that hinder the achievement of the purpose: to improve access to job opportunities and income. As a result, most of the obstacles identified are associated with human capital and the structure of the labor market, such as lack of adequate qualification, low development of socio-emotional skills, and misalignment between market demands and available professional qualifications. With these prioritizations, we were able to clarify the scope, possibilities, and intentions of SDE-SP in the design of the policy. At the end of the meeting, Executive Secretary Juliana Cardoso highlighted the importance of the partnership with IMDS in the process of consolidating a policy of productive inclusion and employability: "For us, this participation of IMDS in this process is very important (...) construction, validation, methodological search, monitoring and evaluation of our impact", underlining the relevance of collaborative work for the success of the policy. [watch the video here]. In future editions of this Letter, we will bring more information about the development of this work. See you at the next “Letter from IMDS”! Paulo Tafner CEO |
