Since 2021, German Development Cooperation, through GIZ on behalf of BMZ, has implemented the project "Professionals of the Future - Competencies for the Green Economy". The initiative supports Brazil"s Ministry of Education (MEC) in developing a demand-driven technical and vocational education and training (TVET) offer aligned with the ecological and social transformation of the economy. Key implementation partners include MEC, the private TVET provider SENAI, and the public TVET schools of the Federal Network (Institutos Federais). The first phase focused on strengthening the supply side of the labour market through the development of curricula in sustainability sectors (energy, circular economy, bioeconomy, digitalisation), training-of-trainers (ToT) programmes, fostering partnerships between schools and companies, and supporting the implementation of new course offers. It aimed to enhance the employability of TVET graduates and modernise vocational training in Brazil. During consultations for the preparation of the second project phase (2025-2028), a significant skills gap was identified among technical and management staff within the TVET system. Key topics such as green skills, just transition, climate and digital agendas, dual training models, and school-to-work transitions were not sufficiently understood. Continuous technical updates are particularly needed in areas such as bioeconomy. In response, a comprehensive capacity development (CD) strategy has to be developed, combining organisational and individual capacity building. The CD strategy is structured across three levels: - Macro level: Strengthening institutional capacities of MEC and other key actors (e.g. Ministry of Labour) to steer TVET reform aligned with socio-ecological transformation and labour market needs. Trained personnel will lead reforms, design dual training formats with the private sector, and promote pathways to green employment. - Meso level: Building competencies of management and specialist staff in vocational institutions for designing and implementing relevant courses in key sustainability sectors, integrating digitalisation, and improving school-to-work transitions. - Micro level: Supporting vocational schools in implementing and scaling TVET courses and connecting training more effectively with employment opportunities. The second project phase places enhanced emphasis on gender equality and socio-economic inclusion. All CD measures and advisory services must systematically integrate these aspects to build awareness and competencies among partner institutions. The objective is to address and reduce structural barriers and inequalities in vocational education and employment systems. Target groups and beneficiaries include representatives of the technical and management level in ministries and TVET institutions, TVET teachers, course coordinators, headmasters, as well as companies and associations from Brazil and Germany. These stakeholders act as intermediaries in designing relevant training offers and labour market measures. Cooperation with companies is essential for the implementation of dual training elements and active labour market policies. Policy dialogue events will engage decision-makers from ministries and business associations to formulate recommendations for aligning TVET and employment policies with Brazil"s socio-ecological transformation. These actors contribute to improving framework conditions for a demand-driven and inclusive vocational training system.
