GAN Guatemala launches new study on aligning education and formal employment pathways

Developed in collaboration with CACIF Guatemala, Junior Achievement (JA) Guatemala, and the Mesa de Capital Humano de Guatemala No Se Detiene, the Exploratory Study on the University Labor Supply highlights an urgent need to strengthen the pathways that connect higher education with formal employment opportunities. The findings reaffirm the importance of internships, dual training, and work‑based learning as critical mechanisms to support young people’s early career integration and skills development.

Understanding youth perceptions of the labor market

Throughout the past year, GAN Guatemala and its partners conducted extensive research on students’ expectations and views on entering the world of work. The study, presented during an official launch event in October, provides a detailed look at:

• Students’ understanding of labor market demands
• Perceived gaps between academic training and workplace expectations
• The skills young people believe are most critical for employability
• Opportunities for employers to engage more deeply with the education system

The results reveal persistent gaps in practical experience, employability skills, and structured career guidance, areas where strengthened collaboration between the private sector, universities, and training providers can make a decisive difference.

The launch event convened employers, policymakers, business associations, and education stakeholders to discuss how apprenticeships and internships can more effectively bridge the gap between classroom learning and market demands. Participants emphasized the growing need for competency-based training pathways that equip young people with both technical and transversal skills for sustainable careers.

A call to action: Connecting education with formal employment

The findings align with broader national efforts led by Guatemala No Se Detiene to generate economic opportunities for youth and strengthen the country’s human capital. This study reinforces a shared call to action from the private sector: expanding structured work-based learning programs is essential to preparing Guatemala’s young workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

By championing apprenticeships, dual education, and employer-led learning models, GAN Guatemala continues to play a leading role in building an inclusive ecosystem where young people can thrive professionally while employers access the talent they need to remain competitive.