The Wadhwani Foundation, a global non-profit organization aimed at accelerating economic development, held the EmpowerEdu Symposium on Tuesday, March 5th, with the main theme “The Future of Work and Its Challenges.”
During the event, Wadhwani presented exclusive data from two studies: one global survey with over 2,000 companies and another focused on Brazil, involving 25 companies. The results highlight the importance of soft skills for employers and how these skills improve the chances of securing high-value jobs for socially vulnerable youth, as well as what companies are seeking in their employees.
According to global data collected by the Wadhwani Foundation, companies indicate that the importance of soft skills compared to technical competencies is 45% to 55%, respectively. Around 30% of employers seek technical skills when hiring, and 59% of companies are willing to pay 10-20% higher salaries to new employees with the best soft skills. In Brazil, 52% of employers consider technical and social competencies equally important, and the most sought-after skills are communication (84%), resilience (44%), and teamwork (40%).
“These data are crucial for understanding the current labor market needs. It’s clear that soft skills are becoming increasingly valued by employers, directly influencing young people’s career opportunities. The Wadhwani Foundation is committed to providing innovative tools, such as our generative artificial intelligence copilots launched at the event, to equip young people and prepare them for the challenges of an ever-changing job market,” said Ajay Kela, President and CEO of the Wadhwani Foundation.
Given the current context, where the unemployment rate among youth in Brazil exceeds 23%—three times the national average—the importance of this discussion grows significantly. Even when employed, many young people do not enter high-value careers, as 90% of Brazilians earn less than R$ 4,000, and 70% earn less than R$ 2,000, according to IBGE.
Thus, the initiatives promoted by the Wadhwani Foundation aim to reverse this situation, emphasizing the importance of soft skills for employers and the need to invest in young people’s professional training.
The NGO also launched three copilots using Generative Artificial Intelligence, making it the only foundation in the world to offer such an advanced tool for free to combat unemployment. Wadhwani is pioneering the use of cutting-edge technology to support students in this journey and change this reality. Additionally, at the event, the foundation unveiled plans to launch several AI copilots that will interact with each other, assisting in the entire learning and employability journey of young people.
The foundation is betting on artificial intelligence to assist in the employability process of young people enrolled in its programs. Through GenieAI, the NGO’s AI-powered mobile platform, students can access a 24/7 tutor to help with questions, test their learning with real-time assessments, and receive custom lessons tailored to their career interests.
Along with the tutor, students will also have access to a facilitator mentor and an interview coach. These tools offer relevant questions for the job the student is applying for, allowing them to practice via video and receive performance feedback and improvement recommendations.
“With these tools, we increase the learning effectiveness needed to build a workforce ready for the future, creating sustainable social impact,” highlights Dr. Ajay.
The mission of the Wadhwani Foundation is to foster the labor market and enable millions of people to earn a sufficient income to support their families, thus striving to provide a dignified life for all.
Present in more than 15 countries, the organization has trained over 5 million students in employability skills, 150,000 students in entrepreneurship, and has benefited more than 20,000 students and supported 5,000 startups and small businesses in obtaining financing.
Source: RH para você
