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Via a partnership with Alcoa that was signed six years ago, the Foundation implemented MiniEmpresa [Mini-company], a practical course created by North American organization, Junior Achievement. This professional training and development course, which is attended by adolescents from the region, is now in its sixth edition, having already prepared more than 100 young entrepreneurs.
The 60 hour-long course, spread over 15 weeks, is given by professionals who work in various different areas in Alcoa, such as finance, production, marketing and human resources, to name only a few. Their mission is to provide the young people with advice about how to administer a company, from setting it up through to the operational balance sheet. The adolescents take part in picking a name for the company and choosing the product, which they will make and commercialize. Everything is carried out in an extremely professional way and includes preparation of the business plan, cash flow, budget and marketing campaign. “They learn early on how to manage salaries and deal with taxes and other variables that exist in a company. It’s a real lesson about the world of business”, says Eduardo Lacerda, Superintendent of Alcoa’s Wheels Division in South America.
Most of the time the students choose products that cost little to produce but are very profitable. During the course held in the second half of 2007, for example, they decided to produce inexpensive costume jewelry. At other times they have sold, among other things, handmade candles, memo pads, and mosaics. “These students arrive here with low self-esteem and with no professional prospects, whatsoever. After the course there are changes in their attitude, behavior, integration and creativity. It makes a difference in their lives”, says Mônica Espadaro, community project analyst with Alcoa.
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