The job market for technology-related professions in Brazil has shown significant growth, 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, according to a survey by the Brazilian Software Companies Association (ABES).
Despite this rapid growth and significant investments, the shortage of qualified professionals remains a major challenge. According to the Manager of the Senior Sistemas Corporate University, Aline Ras, 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 still entering the job market, which reduces the availability of more experienced talent. Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology makes it difficult for newcomers to the IT sector to adapt to the requirements of the positions."
A survey of theGoogle for Startupsreinforces this scenario: 54% of potential talents consider junior positions in the sector to be very demanding, while 55% point to the lack of adequate conditions for studying technology in Brazil as an obstacle to professional training.
To address the shortage of qualified professionals, some companies have adopted strategies that go beyond traditional career plans, investing in the training not only of their employees but also of the surrounding ecosystem. Senior Sistemas – one of the largest software companies in Brazil – 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, with the goal of providing opportunities to technology enthusiasts who are entering the field, whether in search of 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, UCS registered 71,643 enrollments, with the participation of 14,043 professionals and over 200,000 hours of training.
The programs are offered in different formats, including video lessons, in-person training sessions, and live broadcasts, with content presentations, support handouts, 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); as well as content for leadership development. All are aligned with the improvements of the strategic competencies established by the organization," explains the Training and Development specialist at Senior Sistemas, 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 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, on the other hand, can make more informed and strategic decisions for the business," highlights Galdino. The specialist also emphasizes that offering training courses demonstrates the company's commitment to the professional development of its employees, which can increase job satisfaction and talent retention. This initiative ensures that everyone has the same level of knowledge about the systems, promoting greater team integration and standardization of processes throughout the organization.
GoDev
Launched in 2021, GoDev is a developer training and career program in technology, lasting 10 months. However, participants can be hired before completion, with an average hiring period of only three months. The program reinforces Senior Sistemas' commitment to talent development by providing comprehensive support to early-career professionals. Structured in an incubator format, 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 the employees of Senior's headquarters.
From 2021 to 2024, 215 professionals went through the program, of whom 154 remain at Senior Sistemas. Participants develop practical skills in creation ofsoftware through training conducted by guides and with support from 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, enhancing both their technical and behavioral skills. This activity stimulates 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, 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. Additionally, I learned to adopt best development practices and ensure code quality through unit testing and fundamental concepts. This experience was crucial in consolidating my career as a developer and preparing me for the challenges of the job market. Another success story is that of Nicole Bauchspiess, who now works as a Developer on the Senior Platform team. I decided to enroll in the program because I have always dreamed 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 basic training programs in the region, such as Entra21, +Devs2Blu and Jovem Programador, expanding young talents' access to concrete opportunities in the technology sector.
Junior Achievement
Since 2010, Senior Sistemas has also been one of the supporting companies of Junior Achievement (JA), the largest and oldest global organization dedicated to practical education in economics and business, present in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1919, its goal is to inspire and prepare new generations for the future through programs that develop essential skills such as entrepreneurship, financial education, and preparation for the workforce. In Santa Catarina, JA has the collaboration of over 19,000 volunteers and the partnership of hundreds of educational institutions in more than 200 cities. The developed program is "Connected with Tomorrow," which provides students with a moment of reflection about their future, offering career perspectives and information on the behavioral skills valued in the job market. In this context, our team of volunteers shares experiences about the technology field and discusses topics such as the job market, leadership,feedback, career management, resume, job interview, 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 is planning the implementation of a new initiative, theInnovation Camp, which will provide high school students with a hands-on experience in solving complex problems. The program aims to enhance essential socio-emotional skills for the future professional, such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, experimentation, and empathy, using an innovative methodology.
Connection with Educational Institutions
During the year of 2024, Senior conducted 15 technical visits at its headquarters, located in Blumenau, totaling 728 participants. These visits provide students with direct contact with the reality of the technology market, allowing them to get a close look at the structured Senior, its processes, and the opportunities available in the field.
For the executive manager of the Vale do Itajaí Regional 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 be able to structure their life projects with a focus on the sector's opportunities. "We conduct technical visits with all classes of technical, undergraduate, and some classes of initial and continuing education courses. Many participants are young people who are not yet familiar with the job market, while others are in career transition and unfamiliar with technology companies. For both profiles, this experience is essential for them to recognize themselves as future professionals in the field," says Silvia.
With initiatives that go beyond technical training, Senior Sistemas reaffirms its commitment to training, inclusion and talent development, strengthening its connection with society and contributing to the sustainable growth of the technology sector.
