Effective Education for Employment

Improving Education Standards

There has been a notable expansion of educational opportunity at every level in Brazil. However, many indicators suggest that standards of education have not been maintained.

The expansion of educational institutions has been driven primarily by the private sector - particularly within further and higher education. In some cases, it could be argued that commercial institutions will be driven more by profit than by the quality or relevance of their educational provision.

There are no consistent standards of quality assurance. This creates confusion for employers and learners who want to rate the relative value of providers and content. Having a significant proportion of the young population engaged in tertiary education is certainly a good starting point. But, without improving quality, the positive impact of mass participation is negated.

Improving Basic Skills

Basic skills teaching at primary and secondary level is still a prominent challenge in Brazil. Investment in infrastructure and teacher training has been significant but the effects of this investment are only beginning to be felt. Currently, more than 50% of children are failing against basic literacy and numeracy measurements. Without raising these standards, it will be difficult to improve the quality of entrants to higher and further education, and education programmes will struggle to expand and succeed.

Offering Greater Support For Education In Business

There is an increasing tendency for businesses to assume the role of training provider, though many businesses see this as an uncomfortable burden. For businesses to stay competitive in the globalised economy there needs to be greater support for educational activity in businesses and, more pertinently, an improved public system of professional education.

Creating Better Ways To Share Knowledge

There needs to be better ways for businesses to share knowledge and expertise within sectors and more open channels of communication between business and education. The Ministry of Education has just begun to discuss industry needs. However, the Federation of Industry, which represents business interests in Brazil, does not have a role in defining professional education, both in terms of the curriculum or defining the skills needs of industry.

Improving The Perception Of Professional Education

Companies are starting to realise the value of vocational study and question the relevance of some academic education. However, there is still the perception that businesses recruit primarily on the basis of academic achievement despite the fact that this is not necessarily a good indicator of a candidate's ability to do a job. This is as much a cultural challenge as a challenge pertaining to quality and relevance.

Perceptions of professional education also relate to the respect or esteem in which certain professions are held. The notion still exists that you are 'nothing' if you are not a lawyer, doctor or engineer, though this is beginning to change. Jobs in the services sector are seen as increasingly important. Skilled roles in the catering industry are another good example of jobs that are now viewed with a much greater respect.

Progression routes into employment still represent a key issue that impacts on the perceived value of vocational education. Perceived value needs to change alongside intrinsic value or any improvements in quality may be disregarded. The value of training and education must be more clearly articulated.

Improving The Relevance Of University Education

Much of the expansion in the Brazilian education system has happened across higher-level academic study. The enthusiasm for privately funded universities reflects the esteem in which academic study is held and signifies the aspiration to pursue academic study. While there are general issues of quality throughout the education system, the specific challenge for universities is to make courses more relevant to the world of work. There is a sense that university education does not teach people how to think and there is not enough applicable knowledge. While professional education certainly needs to improve, Brazil's academic institutions also need to reform teaching methods and engage students more in practical, experiential learning.

Low Self-Esteem

Another problem that relates to the issue of attitude is the prevalence of low self-esteem among young people. The reasons are complex and not easily defined. Increasingly, there is a significant divide between the rich and the poor in Brazil. And, while the lifestyle and achievements of Brazil's economic winners could be seen as inspirational and probably are to some, there are still significant levels of poverty. There is therefore some way to go before issues around equality and opportunity (both educational and economic) are addressed.

Low self-esteem affects a number of things - primarily, ambition and the ability to learn. Dealing with this problem is not simple and requires attention at every level of education as well as in the workplace.

Creating A Perception Of Ongoing Education

Most employers look for individuals who have the ability to learn and wish to pursue learning throughout their career. However, evidence suggests that there isn't a culture of continuous learning in Brazil. 'Short-termism' is an endemic problem (i.e. people want things now rather than investing for the future). The long-term value of education is not appreciated and, in some ways, the rapid economic successes of the past decade have created a culture of immediate expectation. If individuals are to reach their potential in education and in work, there needs to be a greater sense of personal and professional development.

Building On The Positives

Compared to many other countries, Brazil has extremely well-developed structures to support skills development. Brazil is also one of the few countries to make it compulsory for business to engage in funding professional education programmes and related initiatives. This is achieved through the FAT scheme (Workers' Assistance Fund).

Not everyone will agree that the FAT scheme is effective but there is arguably an inherent value placed on skills development when taxation is applied and directed in this way. As with many government initiatives, particularly of this size, there will always be failures in the system. But building on these structures represents a positive way forward for the Brazilian government and businesses.

SENACs are seen to be valuable in promoting skills like customer service. The organisation is currently developing a customer service training programme for taxi drivers, something that will only be possible if the organisational structures are in place to support it.

Qualities Valued By Employers

• Adaptability
• The ability to apply their knowledge in a real work situation
• The ability to problem solve
• Communication skills
• Pride in work
• Self-esteem to support progression
• A good attitude
• Professional maturity
• Valuing work and enjoying it
• An understanding of how their organisation can help them progress
• Operational intelligence
• Initiative
• Self-awareness - knowing one's strengths and limitations
• Good humour
• Relationship skills
• Innovation
• Motivation
• The ability to manage peers, teams and processes
• Decision making skills
• Engagement and commitment
• A results-oriented outlook
• Respectful of others (within company and in the wider world)
• A willingness to grow