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The CIEE Young Apprentice program is one of the most recognized entry-level opportunities for teenagers and young adults in Brazil. It connects students with real work experience while they continue their studies, making it a powerful first step toward a professional career.
Every year, thousands of young Brazilians apply for positions through CIEE — Centro de Integração Empresa-Escola. Understanding how the registration process works, what documents are required, and what to expect can make a significant difference in your chances of success.
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Everything about the CIEE Young Apprentice program
Before applying, it is essential to understand what the program actually offers, who is eligible, and how it is structured. This section covers the key details you need to know before taking your first step.
What is the CIEE Young Apprentice program?
The CIEE Young Apprentice program is based on Brazil’s Lei da Aprendizagem (Law No. 10.097/2000), which requires companies to hire young apprentices aged 14 to 24. CIEE acts as the intermediary organization, providing training and matching candidates with employers.
Participants work part-time — usually 4 to 6 hours per day — while attending theoretical training sessions organized by CIEE. They receive a formal employment contract, minimum wage (or higher), transportation allowance, and access to FGTS and social security benefits.
The program typically lasts from one to two years, depending on the company and the position. It is designed to develop both technical and interpersonal skills in a real professional environment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age range | 14 to 24 years old |
| Working hours | 4 to 6 hours per day |
| Contract type | Formal CLT apprenticeship contract |
| Duration | 1 to 2 years |
| Benefits | Salary, FGTS, transport allowance, social security |
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility for the CIEE Young Apprentice program is straightforward, but candidates must meet specific criteria to be considered. Missing any requirement can result in disqualification during the selection process.
Most positions require the candidate to be currently enrolled in a public or private school. Some vacancies are available for recent graduates or students in technical courses, depending on the employer’s profile.
| Requirement | Condition |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 14 and 24 years old |
| School enrollment | Must be enrolled or have completed high school |
| CPF | Brazilian tax ID required |
| Availability | Must be available during specified working hours |
Documents needed to register
Having your documents ready in advance speeds up the entire registration process. CIEE typically requests a standard set of documents both during online registration and when signing the contract.
The most commonly requested documents include: RG (identity card), CPF, proof of school enrollment, proof of address, a recent photo, and the parents’ or guardians’ signature for candidates under 18. Some employers may ask for additional items such as a bank account statement or a vaccination record.
It is strongly recommended to digitize all documents before registering online. Having clear PDF or JPG files of each document will prevent delays when submitting your profile on the CIEE portal.
Complete guide: how to join the CIEE Young Apprentice program
Now that you understand the basics, it is time to walk through the actual step-by-step process of applying. This guide covers everything from creating your account to preparing for interviews and starting your first day.
Step 1 — Create your account on the CIEE portal
The first step is to visit the official CIEE website at ciee.org.br and create a free candidate account. You will need a valid email address and your CPF to complete the registration form.
Fill in all fields carefully, including your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and current school. Incomplete profiles are often filtered out during early screening stages, so accuracy matters from the very beginning.
After submitting the form, CIEE will send a confirmation email. Click the verification link to activate your account before searching for available vacancies in your region.
Step 2 — Search for available vacancies
Once your profile is active, use the vacancy search tool on the CIEE portal. You can filter opportunities by city, area of interest, working hours, and type of activity. Vacancies are updated frequently, so it is worth checking the platform daily.
Some of the most common areas where apprentices are placed include administration, customer service, IT support, marketing, logistics, and retail. Each vacancy description will specify the required profile, working hours, and any specific prerequisites.
Apply to multiple positions that match your profile. This increases your chances of being selected, especially if you are applying for the first time with no prior experience.
Step 3 — Complete the mandatory theoretical training
One of the defining features of the CIEE program is the mandatory theoretical training component. Before or during their work placement, apprentices must attend CIEE’s training sessions, which cover topics like professional ethics, workplace communication, and career development.
These sessions may be offered in-person at a CIEE unit or online, depending on your location and the current format available. Attendance is compulsory and missing classes without justification can lead to contract termination.
The training schedule is usually adapted to your work hours so that you are not forced to choose between your job and your education. CIEE coordinators are available to help resolve scheduling conflicts.
Step 4 — Prepare for the selection process
After applying to a vacancy, you may be contacted by CIEE or directly by the company for an interview or a practical assessment. Being well-prepared can set you apart from other candidates who have similar academic backgrounds.
Dress appropriately, arrive on time (or connect early for virtual interviews), and research the company before the interview. Show enthusiasm, honesty, and a willingness to learn — employers hiring young apprentices value attitude as much as knowledge.
If you are invited to take an online test or personality assessment, complete it in a quiet environment and take your time. These tests are used to evaluate compatibility between the candidate’s profile and the company’s culture.
Step 5 — Sign the contract and start working
Once selected, you will be called to sign the apprenticeship contract. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the document. The contract will specify your salary, working hours, start date, and the duration of the apprenticeship.
On your first day, you will likely receive an onboarding process from the company’s HR team. Pay close attention to the internal rules, safety guidelines, and your specific responsibilities. Starting with the right mindset is key to performing well and potentially being retained after the program ends.
Remember that maintaining your school attendance is a legal requirement during the program. Your school records may be monitored by CIEE or your employer throughout the contract period.
Tips to stand out and maximize the experience
Participating in the CIEE Young Apprentice program is about more than earning your first salary. It is an opportunity to build habits, relationships, and skills that will define your career for years to come.
Consider the following practical tips to make the most out of your apprenticeship:
- Ask questions and show genuine curiosity about your area of work
- Build relationships with colleagues and supervisors — networking starts early
- Keep a personal record of tasks and achievements to update your résumé
- Take every training session seriously, even if the topic seems basic
- Seek feedback regularly and act on it to demonstrate growth
- Stay punctual and reliable — consistency is one of the most valued traits in young professionals
Frequently asked questions
Below are the most common questions from candidates who want to join the CIEE Young Apprentice program.
- Can I apply if I have already finished high school?
Yes. Candidates who have completed high school but are under 24 years old are still eligible for many apprenticeship positions, especially those linked to technical or college-level courses. - Is the CIEE Young Apprentice program paid?
Yes. Apprentices receive a salary based on an hourly minimum wage, a transportation allowance, and access to social security and FGTS. The exact amount varies by position and employer. - How long does the selection process take?
The timeline varies. After applying, candidates may wait from a few days to a few weeks before being contacted. Applying to multiple vacancies simultaneously is the best strategy to reduce waiting time. - Can a company hire me full-time after the apprenticeship ends?
Yes. Many companies use the apprenticeship period as an extended evaluation phase. Strong performers are often invited to join the company as regular employees after the contract expires. - What happens if I miss training sessions or school?
Unjustified absences can result in contract termination. Both school attendance and CIEE training sessions are mandatory components of the program and must be maintained throughout the entire contract duration.
