Progress in the Reintegration of the 50+ Public
The reintegration of people over 50 into the job market has gained momentum in Paraná, where initiatives promoted by the State Secretariat of Labor, Qualification and Income (SETR) are helping to transform lives. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of job openings mediated by the Sine Network for this demographic grew by 38%, increasing from 8,994 to 12,440 positions. In two years, more than 21,000 placements were made, highlighting the positive impact of public policies focused on this group.
The job fair held in 2024 at the Curitiba Employment Agency exemplifies these advances. The event resulted in the formal placement of approximately 500 people over the age of 50. "The goal is to promote inclusion and reduce the barriers faced by this age group in the job market," states a spokesperson for SETR.
Qualification to Compete for Vacancies
By 2025, SETR plans to intensify its training offerings through programs such as Bora Paraná, Qualifica Paraná, and Carretas do Conhecimento. These projects provide free or affordable courses geared towards current market demands, such as technology and services. The goal is to level the playing field between older and younger generations, who generally have greater access to up-to-date education.
“These initiatives are essential because many experienced professionals need to acquire new skills to meet the demands of companies. Our focus is on generating equal opportunities,” explains Ilsis Cristine da Silva, supervisor of the Paraná Business-School Integration Center (CIEE/PR).
Success Stories
An inspiring example is that of Márcia Espinosa, 62 years old. A trained teacher with experience in the municipal education system, she faced difficulties re-entering the job market after returning from the United States. In 2020, encouraged by her daughter, Márcia resumed her studies, enrolling in a pedagogy course. During the course, she interned in various areas of education, accumulating valuable experience. “It was a challenging but very rewarding restart. Today I feel prepared for new opportunities,” she says.
Márcia's internship was facilitated by CIEE/PR, which in 2024 offered more than 8,700 internship positions for all age groups and plans to increase that number by 10% in 2025. According to the institution, interest in internships among people over 50 has been increasing, especially in areas such as administration and pedagogy.
Valuing Experience in the Market
The job market has shown greater receptiveness to older workers, valuing the experience and commitment of this demographic. Companies in various sectors have identified competitive advantages in hiring professionals over 50, who generally have high motivation and lower turnover rates.
“During the pandemic, we noticed a significant change in the hiring profile. While many young people opted for remote work, companies sought older professionals for their reliability and willingness to work in person,” explains Ilsis.
The Future of Reintegration
Data from the General Registry of Employed and Unemployed Workers (Caged) shows a significant reduction in the job deficit for people aged 50+ in Paraná. Between January and September 2023, the negative balance was 6,175 jobs. In the same period of 2024, the number fell to 1,420. Although challenges remain, the results point to a promising scenario.
Conclusion
The reintegration of people over 50 into the job market is not just a matter of social inclusion, but also a great opportunity to leverage the potential of experienced professionals. In Paraná, for example, initiatives such as job fairs, qualification courses, and internship programs are not only changing lives but also promoting significant transformations. Furthermore, with the continuation of these actions, it is expected that there will be greater inclusion and appreciation of experience in the job market.
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