What kinds of jobs are allowed for SPES beneficiaries?

• A. SPES jobs are safe, non-hazardous, and appropriate for the trainee’s level, aligned with the trainee’s course or development; cannot displace regular workers.
• B. SPES jobs must be hazardous to build resilience.
• C. SPES jobs can replace permanent staff.
• D. SPES jobs can be any job as long as wages are paid.

Answer: (A)

SPES jobs are designed to provide safe, developmentally appropriate work that supports a student’s training. They should be safe and non-hazardous, matched to the trainee’s level, and aligned with the trainee’s course or development so the work offers meaningful learning. At the same time, these positions must not displace regular workers, ensuring that the program supplements rather than competes with the existing workforce. This combination protects the student, reinforces learning, and preserves fair labor practices.

That’s why statements that push for hazardous tasks, replacing permanent staff, or hiring any job merely because wages are paid don’t fit the purpose. Hazards would compromise safety and learning, replacing regular staff undermines workers’ rights, and paying wages without regard to alignment with education or non-displacement misses the core intent of SPES.