Productivity and inclusion: qualification that transforms companies and lives

Productivity is usually associated with modern machinery, new technologies, and more efficient processes. But in a scenario where the shortage of skilled labor has become one of the main challenges for industry, one factor remains decisive for business performance: people. In Paraná, an initiative built over more than a decade has shown that investing in professional qualification can yield results that go far beyond employability. At the same time that it prepares professionals to meet market demands, the action contributes to increasing productivity and creating opportunities for people in social vulnerability. This is the partnership between Senai Paraná and Instituto Barigui, a social organization maintained by Grupo Barigui. The initiative offers free courses focused on the professional training of individuals who would hardly have access to this type of education. Thanks to this action, over 2,100 students have been qualified, and in 2026 alone, the expectation is to make available about 230 openings in different areas, such as automotive mechanics, logistics, administrative management, and hybrid and electric vehicles. According to Cristiana Vantroba, manager of Instituto Barigui, the proposal to expand opportunities for people who often have to choose between working or studying is being fulfilled: "The social project doesn't stop at training, but rather at employment, to close our social cycle." Qualification that reduces adaptation time In addition to the social impact, professional qualification also generates direct benefits for industry. In sectors such as automotive, receiving trained workers reduces adaptation time and accelerates team development. For Cristiana, this is one of the main differentials of the students trained through the partnership: "When theory and practice come together, there is certainly a very big gain when the student enters the market. The fact that the employee goes through internal work processes and there is no need to teach theory is already a major differentiator." She also highlights that the training offered by Senai in a customized way helps complement knowledge that would typically be acquired informally: "They will get technical instruction and the theoretical part, which is what they lack when they learn at home or through informal work. In addition, there is the differentiator of Senai's courses being customized. This ability to put together a curriculum according to our needs makes a huge difference." For the regional director of Senai Paraná, Odivany Pimentel Sales, productivity is directly related to the ability to develop talents prepared for current labor market challenges. "Productivity is not just doing more in less time. It is doing better, with quality, safety, and efficiency. When we invest in professional training, we reduce the learning curve, increase competitiveness, and expand opportunities for people. It is a win for all of society." A new opportunity at age 36 Among the students whose trajectories were impacted by the initiative is Aliny Aparecida de Araújo, 36. A resident of Curitiba, married and mother of a 16-year-old teenager, she found in the Logistics Assistant course an opportunity for a fresh start. The decision to return to studies was not simple. Aliny lives with dyslexia and spent years away from the classroom. "I had that fear, that apprehension about coming. I arrived here on the first day, talked to the teachers, they told me they would help me and that I couldn't give up," she recalls. The welcoming environment made a difference. She shares that she recently completed high school and decided to continue investing in her own education. When talking about the future, the expectation is to keep studying and expanding professional opportunities: "No matter what age we are, it doesn't matter if we are 30, 40, 50, 60. We always have to chase after it. If we don't chase after it, we won't have anything in the future. And one thing no one will take away from us is education. I don't want to stop. Studying is something no one takes away from us." Transformation that reaches entire families The results of the initiative also appear outside the classrooms. According to Cristiana, it is common for family members to report changes in behavior, self-esteem, and future prospects after participating in the courses. "One mother commented to us: 'Thank you so much! I wouldn't have been able to pay for this course for my son. He is so happy.'" For her, this feedback demonstrates that the productivity generated by professional qualification is not limited to the workplace. "We see that these more than 2,100 students we trained made a difference in our history. And we are sure they made a difference in their lives as well."