Strong vocational education and training (VET) smooths the transition of young people into the labour market and facilitates recruitment of skilled workers by employers. Strong VET involves and receives support from social partners, and provides students with an opportunity of continuing in education if they wish to do so.

Brazil launched a major reform of its upper secondary education in 2017. The reform, which is now being implemented, aims to considerably expand provision of initial vocational education and training (VET). The goal is to triple enrolment between 2014-2024. As high-quality VET leads to positive outcomes, the reform of VET in Brazil is a welcome initiative, provided that the expansion of VET is coupled with investments in its quality.

This chapter provides an overview of the education system in Brazil and describes main characteristics of its vocational education and training (VET). It discusses a reform of VET that is currently rolled out and that intends to considerably expand provision of VET in Brazil. The chapter points to challenges Brazil may face during the reform process and summarises suggestions for policy advanced in later chapters of the report. Subsequent chapters examine different issues by presenting the topic, describing other countries’ approaches, and briefly discussing implications for Brazil.

This chapter discusses some of the key challenges and opportunities associated with the planned expansion of the Brazilian vocational education and training (VET) system. It looks at the different roles that VET can play and the diverse populations it can serve. The chapter also discusses the challenges schools may face to create new or expand existing VET programmes, and the support they might need to make the right choices. Lastly, the chapter zooms in on the need to invest in a skilled VET teacher workforce to support the growing number of students.

This chapter looks at benefits of work-based learning as part of vocational education and training (VET) programmes and how Brazil can increase provision of work placements provided by employers to students. One of the main challenges in increasing work placement opportunities is that some employers may not feel able to train students. The chapter discusses various measures that can enhance the training capacity of firms, such as training of trainers in companies and facilitating collaboration across companies in the provision of training. Recognising the role of schools in reaching out to employers, the chapter provides examples of how the responsibility for work-based learning can be shared between schools and employers.

This chapter focuses on measures that aim to reduce fragmentation and foster co‑ordination in vocational education and training (VET) systems. Co‑ordination of VET policies represents a challenge in many countries as different bodies and levels of governance can be responsible for VET. The chapter looks at how social partners, including employers and sometimes trade unions, can be involved at different levels where decisions about VET are taken, and provide their input on various aspects of VET.

This chapter looks at international experience with vocational education and training (VET) assessment and certification. It discusses the need for standardisation and independence, as well as the importance of ‘holistic’ assessments. It looks at the role of employers and trade unions in planning and undertaking assessments, and how this can enhance the quality of assessment, and improve the credibility of certification.