The job market for technology-related professions in Brazil has shown significant expansion, with an increase of up to 740% in the last ten years, according to data from the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism of the State of São Paulo (FecomercioSP). In 2023, the country invested approximately US$50 billion in information technology, as per a survey by the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES).
Despite this rapid growth and substantial investments, the shortage of qualified professionals remains a major challenge. According to Aline Ras, Manager of the Senior Sistemas Corporate University, several factors explain this difficulty. “The time required for professionals to gain experience in the field is a relevant aspect, as the generation raised with technology is only now entering the job market, which reduces the availability of more experienced talent. Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology makes it harder for newcomers to the IT sector to adapt to job requirements.”
A survey by Google for Startups reinforces this scenario: 54% of potential talents consider entry-level positions in the sector too demanding, while 55% cite the lack of adequate conditions to study technology in Brazil as an obstacle to professional development.
To address the shortage of qualified professionals, some companies have adopted strategies that go beyond traditional career plans, investing in the training of not only their employees but also the surrounding ecosystem. Senior Sistemas—one of Brazil’s largest software companies—is an example of this approach, promoting initiatives that prepare technology professionals for market demands. The company invests in the Corporate University, the GoDev program, and supports Junior Achievement, aiming to provide opportunities for technology enthusiasts entering the field, whether seeking their first job or transitioning careers. These actions, aligned with the growing demand in the technology sector, help reduce the skills gap and expand access to qualified professionals.
Corporate University
With the goal of training professionals, the Corporate University (UCS) enhances people’s growth through knowledge. In 2024 alone, the UCS recorded 71,643 enrollments, with the participation of 14,043 professionals and over 200,000 hours of training.
The programs are offered in various formats, including video lessons, in-person training, and live broadcasts, with content presentations, support materials, knowledge tests, reaction assessments, and certification. “Our catalog is divided into content about Senior Sistemas solutions, aimed at our entire audience; organizational guidance content for group employees and distribution channels; materials focused on training by area of expertise (Develop, Design, Sell, Deliver, Support, and Corporate); and content for leadership development. All are aligned with the improvement of strategic competencies established by the organization,” explains Jonas Galdino, Training and Development Specialist at Senior Sistemas.
Companies can hire the courses offered by the Corporate University to train their employees, helping them use the systems more efficiently, maximizing their capabilities, and reducing time spent on routine tasks. “With a deeper understanding of the systems, employees can perform their tasks more quickly and efficiently, resulting in an overall increase in productivity. Additionally, by mastering the systems better, they are less likely to make errors in data entry or process execution, reducing the need for rework and corrections. Managers, in turn, can make more informed and strategic business decisions,” emphasizes Galdino. The specialist further highlights that offering training courses demonstrates the company’s commitment to employee professional growth, which can increase job satisfaction and talent retention. This initiative ensures everyone has the same level of knowledge about the systems, promoting greater team integration and process standardization across the organization.
GoDev
Launched in 2021, GoDev is a 10-month training program for developers and technology careers. However, participants can be hired before completion, with an average hiring time of just three months. The program reinforces Senior Sistemas’ commitment to talent development, offering comprehensive support to early-career professionals. Structured as an incubator, participants are trained by a team of experts under the coordination of the Corporate University. The training is paid and includes a benefits package, such as meal vouchers, transportation vouchers, and other perks offered to Senior Sistemas headquarters employees.
From 2021 to 2024, 215 professionals completed the program, with 154 remaining at Senior Sistemas. “Participants develop practical skills in software creation through training led by mentors and supported by the technical team. They also have access to a study platform that complements the training with theoretical content and practical exercises. Additionally, they work individually and in teams, improving both their technical and behavioral skills. This dynamic fosters active learning, collaboration, and problem-solving,” explains Silvia Gesser, Development Coordinator responsible for GoDev.
The initiative opens doors for talents seeking their first steps in a technology career, such as João Ricardo Puel, who joined the program and was hired as a Software Developer after four months. “I had the opportunity to participate in GoDev, and during the training, I deepened my knowledge of Java and Angular. I also learned to adopt development best practices and ensure code quality through unit testing and fundamental concepts. This experience was crucial in solidifying my journey as a developer and preparing me for the challenges of the job market.” Another success story is Nicole Bauchspiess, who now works as a Developer on the Platform team at Senior. “I decided to enroll in the program because I always dreamed of working in development. At the time, I was transitioning from support and saw it as an opportunity for professional growth. The initiative was essential for my technical improvement, allowing me to apply programming best practices and gain experience with tools like Jira and GitLab.”
The company also sponsors foundational training programs in the region, such as Entra21, +Devs2Blu, and Jovem Programador, expanding access for young talents to concrete opportunities in the technology sector.
Junior Achievement
Since 2010, Senior Sistemas has also been a supporter of Junior Achievement (JA), the largest and oldest global organization dedicated to practical education in economics and business, present in over 100 countries. Founded in 1919, its goal is to inspire and prepare new generations for the future through programs that develop essential skills like entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job readiness. In Santa Catarina, JA collaborates with over 19,000 volunteers and partners with hundreds of educational institutions in more than 200 cities. “The program developed is ‘Connected with Tomorrow,’ which provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their future, offering career perspectives and insights into the behavioral skills valued in the job market. In this context, our team of volunteers shares experiences about the technology sector and covers topics like the job market, leadership, feedback, career management, resume writing, job interviews, and entrepreneurship,” says Marilda Chiarelli, Social Responsibility Analyst at Senior.
Since the partnership began, 602 Senior volunteers have participated in the programs, impacting 8,179 students in 66 editions held across 31 schools in Blumenau. For 2025, Senior plans to implement a new initiative, the Innovation Camp, which will provide high school students with a hands-on experience in solving complex problems. The program aims to enhance essential socioemotional skills for professional futures, such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, experimentation, and empathy, using an innovative methodology.
Connection with Educational Institutions
Throughout 2024, Senior hosted 15 technical visits at its headquarters in Blumenau, totaling 728 participants. These visits allow students direct contact with the realities of the technology market, giving them an up-close look at Senior’s structure, processes, and the opportunities available in the field.
For Silvia De Pieri Oliveira, Executive Manager of the Regional Vale do Itajaí at FIESC – SESI/SC, SENAI/SC, and IEL/SC, partnerships with companies like Senior are crucial for students to understand the local job market, spark interest in working in the region, and structure their life projects with a focus on sector opportunities. “We conduct technical visits with all technical and undergraduate course classes, as well as some initial and continuing education groups. Many participants are young people who are still unfamiliar with the job market, while others are transitioning careers and lack experience with technology companies. For both profiles, this experience is essential for recognizing themselves as future professionals in the field,” says Silvia.
With initiatives that go beyond technical training, Senior Sistemas reaffirms its commitment to talent education, inclusion, and development, strengthening its connection with society and contributing to the sustainable growth of the technology sector.
