Votorantim Cement is currently starting up its technical Electro-Mechanical Operator course for young people in Pinheiro Machado, Rio Grande do Sul State. In addition to the students, the inaugural class will be attended by representatives of Votorantim Cement, Senai, plant leaders, city authorities, social action partners, and representatives of the Secretary of Education.

In total, 143 young people have applied for the course.  Of these, 30 were selected, all of them living in the city of Pinheiro Machado. The selection process consisted of a written test and the evaluation of candidates’ socioeconomic profile.

The Electro-Mechanical Operator Course is part of the Programa Evoluir, a successful initiative by Votorantim Cement and Votorantim Institute. The companies will invest a total of R$ 1.5 million in the qualification of youths in 2009, offering, not only an opportunity for technical training, but also helping these young people to have access to their first job. Over the past two years, the Programa Evoluir has trained more than 250 skilled workers in the areas where Votorantim Cement has plants.