Applications for OEC’s first Holiday Internship Program prioritizing minority and underpriviledged groups closed on October 17 with 7,368 applicants for 63 openings. A ratio of 116.9 applicants per opportunity,  which in comparison with the entrance examination of the largest Brazilian university, USP, would place OEC internship as the third most desired option among students. The “top three” this year were Medicine (SP), with 154.6 applicants per vacancy; Medicine (Ribeirão Preto), 129.1; and Medicine (Bauru), 78.4.

The focus on expanding the presence of women, black and LGBTQIA+ people, among other groups, was well accepted by the public. In relation to the previous internship program, which did not have this premise, the total number of applicants doubled – in 2020, there were 3,675 candidates for 45 vacancies: a ratio of 81.7.

The director of Planning, People and Organization at OEC, Ludmila Lavigne, highlights that the action is the first of its kind for large construction companies and is part of a set of initiatives focused on expanding diversity and inclusion in the company: “We want to make our contribution to the heavy construction sector, with the creation of a Diversity Committee, Affinity Groups, and a focus on selection processes,” she says.

The 63 selected will start their supervised activities from January 3, 2022. In addition to the grant, interns will be entitled to meal vouchers or meals at the local cafeteria, transport or local transport vouchers – depending on the city – and life insurance.

OEC’s Vacation Internship program turns 10 years old in 2021. During this period, more than 317,000 undergraduates have applied for the vacancies offered and more than 1,200 have had the opportunity to intern with the company. The activities take place during the academic vacations and last for one month, which can be renewed for a further month. There is also the possibility of progressing to a Regular Internship, expanding the journey to up to two years and increasing the chances of building a career at OEC.