Sustainability Report 2004

Economic and social aspects

Employees | Opportunities for youths

In 2004, the Company accepted 289 young people as regular and summer interns. Of this total, 71% were college students, mainly from courses in Administration, Computer Sciences, Chemical, Forestry, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, while 29% were high school-level students, with courses in Chemistry, Paper and Pulp, Mechanics and Electro-Mechanics.

In addition, the Company accepted a second group from the Arcel Apprentice and Portocel Apprentice programs involving 48 teenagers from low-income families living in neighborhoods close to the Company in Aracruz (ES). Developed in partnership with SENAI/ES, the offer of activities for youthful apprentices is a legal requirement.

The 48 teenagers in the first group from the Arcel Apprentice and Portocel Apprentice programs received guidance about entering the job market and support in the preparation of their résumés. Seven candidates were enrolled in the University for All program, a tutoring project designed to help needy public school students pass university entrance examinations.

The youths who completed the Arcel Apprentice and Portocel Apprentice programs in 2004 also participated in the Mini-Company Program run jointly with the Junior Achievement NGO and employees who participated in the Aracruz volunteer project.

As a result of these learning experiences, they established Vela’s Junior, a company that produces decorative candles.