Brazil's technology market growth is boosting companies' efforts to train professionals.

The job market for technology-related professions in Brazil has seen significant expansion, with an increase of up to 740% in the last ten years, according to data from the Federation of Commerce, Services, and Tourism of the State of São Paulo (FecomercioSP). In 2023, the country invested approximately US$$ 50 billion in information technology, according to a survey by the Brazilian Software Industry Association (ABES). **Note:** The codes "740%" and "$" are clearly not standard numerical values. They appear to be placeholders or errors in the original Portuguese text. The translation above maintains the placeholder codes, but it's crucial to check the original source for the intended numbers. 

Despite this rapid growth and significant 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 it takes for professionals to gain experience in the field is a relevant aspect, as the technology-driven generation is still entering the job market, reducing the availability of more experienced talent. Furthermore, the rapid advancement of technology makes it difficult for newcomers to the IT sector to adapt to the demands of open positions."

A research by Google for Startups In this scenario, 54% potential talent see junior sector roles as overly demanding, while 55% point to the lack of adequate conditions for studying technology in Brazil as an obstacle to professional development.

To address the shortage of qualified professionals, some companies are adopting strategies that go beyond traditional career paths, investing in the training not only of their employees but also of the ecosystem around them. 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 its Corporate University, the GoDev program, and supports Junior Achievement, with the goal of offering opportunities to 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 broaden access to qualified professionals.

Corporate University

To empower professionals, the Corporate University (CU) fosters growth through knowledge. In 2024 alone, the CU registered 71,643 enrollments, with the participation of 14,043 professionals and over 200,000 training hours. 

The programs are offered in various formats, including video lessons, in-person training, and live broadcasts, featuring content presentations, supplemental handouts, knowledge tests, reaction evaluations, and certification. "Our catalog is divided into content about Senior Sistemas solutions, aimed at our entire audience; organizational orientation content for group employees and distribution channels; materials focused on skills development by area of specialization (Develop, Design, Sell, Deliver, Support, and Corporate); as well as content for leadership development. All are aligned with the organization's established strategic competency improvements," explains Senior Sistemas' Training and Development specialist, Jonas Galdino.

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 the time spent on routine tasks. "With a deeper understanding of the systems, employees can perform their activities faster and more efficiently, resulting in an overall increase in productivity. Furthermore, 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, meanwhile, can make more informed and strategic business decisions," emphasizes Galdino. The specialist further reinforces that offering training courses demonstrates the company's commitment to its employees' professional advancement, which can increase job satisfaction and talent retention. This initiative ensures that everyone has the same level of knowledge about the systems, promoting greater integration between teams and standardizing processes throughout the organization. 

GoDev

Launched in 2021, GoDev is a 10-month developer training and technology career program. 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, providing comprehensive support to early-career professionals. Structured as an incubator, it allows participants to be trained by a team of specialists, under the coordination of the Corporate University. The training is paid and includes a benefits package, such as meal vouchers, transportation vouchers, and other advantages granted to employees at Senior's headquarters.

From 2021 to 2024, 215 professionals completed the program, of whom 154 remain at Senior Sistemas. "Participants develop practical skills in creating software Through training sessions led by mentors and supported by the technical team. They also have access to a learning platform that complements the training with theoretical content and practical exercises. Furthermore, they work individually and in teams, improving both their technical and behavioral skills. This dynamic stimulates active learning, collaboration, and problem-solving," explains GoDev Development Coordinator, Silvia Gesser.

The initiative opens doors for talent seeking their first steps in a technology career, like João Ricardo Puel, who joined the program and, after four months, was hired as a Software Developer at the company. "I had the opportunity to participate in GoDev and, during the training, I deepened my knowledge in Java and Angular. Furthermore, I learned to adopt best development practices and ensure code quality through unit tests and fundamental concepts. This experience was crucial in solidifying my path 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 dreamt of pursuing a career in development. At the time, I was transitioning from support and saw the program as an opportunity for professional growth. The initiative was essential for my technical improvement, allowing me to apply good programming 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, broadening access for young talent to concrete opportunities in the technology sector.

Junior Achievement

Since 2010, Senior Sistemas has also been a maintaining company for Junior Achievement (JA), the largest and oldest global organization dedicated to practical education in economics and business, with a presence in over 100 countries. Founded in 1919, its goal is to inspire and prepare future generations for the future through programs that develop essential skills, such as entrepreneurship, financial education, and preparation for the world of work. In Santa Catarina, JA counts on the collaboration of over 19,000 volunteers and the partnership of hundreds of educational institutions in over 200 cities. "The program developed is 'Connected to Tomorrow,' which provides students with a moment of reflection on their future, offering career perspectives and information on the behavioral competencies valued in the job market. In this context, our team of volunteers shares experiences about the technology area and addresses topics such as the job market, leadership, feedback"Career management, resumes, job interviews, and entrepreneurship," comments Senior's Social Responsibility Analyst, Marilda Chiarelli. 

Since the beginning of the partnership, 602 Senior volunteers have participated in the programs, impacting 8,179 students in 66 editions held at 31 schools in Blumenau. For 2025, Senior plans to implement a new initiative, Innovation CampThis program will provide high school students with practical experience in solving complex problems. It aims to enhance essential socio-emotional skills for future professionals, such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, experimentation, and empathy, using an innovative methodology.

Connection with Educational Institutions

In 2024, Senior conducted 15 technical visits to its headquarters in Blumenau, totaling 728 participants. These visits provide students with direct exposure to the technology market, allowing them to gain firsthand knowledge of Senior's structure, processes, and available opportunities.

For the Executive Manager of the Itajaí Valley Regional of FIESC – SESI/SC, SENAI/SC, and IEL/SC, Silvia De Pieri Oliveira, partnerships with companies like Senior are essential for students to understand the local job market, spark interest in working in the region, and structure their life plans with a vision focused on sector opportunities. "We conduct technical visits with all technical course groups, undergraduate students, and some initial and continuing education course groups. Many participants are young people who are not yet familiar with the job market, while others are transitioning careers and aren't familiar with technology companies. For both profiles, this experience is essential for recognizing themselves as future professionals in the field," states Silvia. 

With initiatives extending beyond technical training, Senior Sistemas reaffirms its commitment to talent development, inclusion, and training, strengthening its connection with society and contributing to the sustainable growth of the technology sector.