Issue 2 2017

24 LATIN AMERICA NEWS / Issue 2 2017 , “The incorporation of young people in the labour market is a fundamental issue for organisations and society. As Latin America’s largest generator of first time jobs, we believe in young people because we trust their entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and enthusiasm as they welcome the millions of customers who visit McDonald’s restaurants every day,” said Diego Benenzon, VP of Human Resources at Arcos Dorados. In 2016, the World Bank developed a research report on the so-called ‘ni-nis’: young people who neither study nor work. The report showed that one in five young people in Latin America, who represent more than 20 million people aged between 15 and 24, live this reality due to rising social inequality. Against this backdrop, Arcos Dorados carried out a survey with Trendsity consulting to better understand the barriers young people face when seeking formal employment. The conclusions highlight that 91% of 1,800 Latin American youths surveyed believe it is necessary that society trusts their capabilities and talents, however only a third of respondents believe that society trusts their capabilities and talents. Arcos Dorados is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of the region’s youth by bringing career opportunities and training to young people. At present, it employs over 82,000 people in Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 73,000 of which are between the ages of 16 and 25. These young people learn, work, study and then continue their professional careers both within the company and at subsequent employers. Arcos Dorados gives them a first job opportunity that enables them to learn the norms Arcos Dorados Reinforces Commitment to Youth Employment As part of International Youth Day celebrations, Arcos Dorados, the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee operating in 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforces its commitment to be a catalyst for social mobility by bringing career opportunities and training to young people. and methodologies of teamwork in a highly demanding operation and acquire relevant experience to advance their professional lives. Arcos Dorados invests significantly in training, which the company considers to be a key part of youth development. In this regard, the company provide flexible schedules to enable young people to continue academic studies that will boost their professional prospects. Young people are the future and as a part of the community, Arcos Dorados is proud to take a leadership role in collaborating to eliminate barriers that young people face in finding their first job. Please see the Arcos Dorados 2016 Social and Environmental Impact Report for more information on the company’s commitment to youth employment: www.arcosdorados.com/img/ editorial/comunidad/AD_informe_ eng.zip