Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VWTB), a leader in the Brazilian commercial vehicle market, is internationalizing its Formare program for the vocational training of young people by expanding to a new country: Mexico. In partnership with the Iochpe do Brasil Foundation and the Technological University of San Luis Potosi (UTSLP), the initiative reaches another unit of the assembler, with the goal of promoting the development and qualification of young people from Querétaro, the city that hosts VWTB's largest operation outside Brazil. The inaugural class consists of six students and will begin on October 21.
Formare is a professional qualification program aimed at young people in situations of socio-economic vulnerability, idealized by the Iochpe Foundation. Based on innovative pedagogical practices, the teaching format combines the changes and demands of the labor market, proposing a curricular structure that integrates the development of technical and behavioral skills. In partnership with the Technological University of San Luis Potosí (UTSLP), a customized curriculum was developed for the application of the course at VWTB Mexico and with a certification based on the key requirements of the local industry.
"With this initiative, we have the opportunity to create new opportunities for the community and give back to society, in addition to making a positive impact in the present and transforming the future of generations to come. Our goal is to provide a quality educational experience and opportunities for personal and professional development to accelerate employability, with a special focus on diversity, equity and inclusion", affirms Roberto Cortes, President and CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus.
The choice of Mexico for the expansion of the program was based on the country's potential and the growing demand for qualified professionals in the automotive sector, as it is one of the top ten vehicle manufacturers in the world and has a highly competitive labor market in the region where the plant is located. With the certification of specialist in industrial operations issued by UTSLP, it is expected to train a generation of highly qualified professionals to work in industry 4.0, stimulate innovation and strengthen the production chain.
"We are very proud to bring this program to Mexico, which represents a historic achievement for our organization. For us, the training and development of people are very important, as we know that it is the key to the growth of the country and the industry. By offering a course taught by our own employees, we are providing students with a unique experience of contact with experienced professionals and quality academic teaching. We are sure that Formare will create opportunities for new generations, promoting the strengthening of society, our company and the industry" says Frank Gundlach, Managing Director of Volkswagen Truck & Bus in Mexico.
By offering the opportunity to specialize, the participating institutions not only qualify young people for the job market, but also build their self-esteem and self-confidence. This is not only a passport to the professional world, but also a recognition of their skills and an incentive to continue developing.
According to Marcos Oliveira, CEO of Iochpe-Maxion and Chairman of the Board of Iochpe Foundation, "Formare not only creates opportunities for young people, but also provides a unique experience for the company's employees who serve as volunteer educators. They are the ones who, with their dedication and knowledge, become mentors and role models for young people. They are not only teachers, but also professional and personal references, demonstrating in practice how commitment and ethics can lead to successful careers. This relationship is one of the most inspiring aspects of the program because it shows that we can all individually contribute to changing lives".
In Brazil, VWTB has been receiving Formare students for 24 years and has graduated more than 300 students, 76% of whom have been hired by companies of the Modular Consortium and occupy positions at different hierarchical levels. This partnership is an example of how joining forces and combining industry expertise with academic knowledge can lead to positive results for society.
About VW Truck & Bus
A member of the TRATON Group, VW Truck & Bus is the manufacturer of Volkswagen commercial vehicles and one of the largest truck and bus assemblers in Latin America. Since 1981, when it began operations, getting to the top of the market while respecting and satisfying customer needs has always been the automaker's focus. And that's precisely what VWTB offers: customized products and excellent aftersales service.
The company is also a reference in technological innovations, being a pioneer in the development and production of a 100% electric truck in Latin America. The company is always looking for solutions that reduce environmental impact and help preserve the environment. For more than 40 years, the manufacturer has maintained its commitment to developing vehicles that go above and beyond the requirements of its clients, whether they are driven in Brazil and Latin America, Africa or Asia.
About the Iochpe Foundation
For 35 years, this non-profit organization has maintained the Formare program, a reference in Brazil for providing vocational training to young people in situations of economic and social vulnerability. Run in partnership with medium and large companies, it provides initial vocational training for the labor market to young people from low-income families enrolled in public schools. In more than three decades, through the work of volunteer educators, the program has trained more than 26,000 young people, and the rate of formalization in the labor market reaches 89% of graduates in the last ten years, according to a survey conducted by the CDE Plan. The courses are certified by Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR) in Brazil and by Technological University of San Luis Potosí (UTSLP) and Technological University of Chihuahua (UTCH), both in Mexico.
Formare in Figures:
Units: 60 | Partner companies: 46 | Youth impacted in 2023: 1,027 | Volunteer educators working in 2023: 3,797 | National coverage: 52 municipalities in 14 states of Brazil | Four units in Mexico | One unit in India
More information: www.fiochpe.org.br