On January 10, 2019, Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (known as “STPS” for its acronym in Spanish)¹ published regulations to implement its new “Youth Building the Future” program. The regulations outline the essential aspects of the program, which seeks to create opportunities within the workplace to train individuals ages 18 to 29 years who are neither working nor studying, so they can improve their job prospects. The regulations became effective on the date of publication.

Those participating in this program will receive: (i) workplace training; (ii) a MXP$3,600 scholarship; (iii) medical insurance; and (iii) a training certificate. The regulations specifically prescribe that no participating youth shall be considered an employee under any circumstances. Further, both the participating companies and youths will need to comply with various requirements.

Under the regulations, a “workplace” is defined as a place in which activities of commerce and/or distribution of goods, services or other types of activities are performed for the public or private sector. As part of the program requirements, the participating companies must guarantee that the youths will not replace the companies’ own personnel nor will be subcontracted. Additionally, they must provide a mentor who will be available at the workplace to teach, provide guidance, and follow up with the youths and evaluate their training activities.

To participate, the companies must register with the program online or in person at an STPS office. They will need to submit various documentation outlining, among other information, the training plan that they intend to implement and relevant information about the mentors. 

We will continue to report on any developments related to this topic.