Forty residents of Abaetetuba, in northeastern Pará, are the first graduates of Hydro's Professional Training Program. The training in the welder and sander courses lasted three months and was conducted by the National Service for Industrial Apprenticeship (Senai, in Portuguese).

The Professional Training Program is in line with Hydro's strategy of contributing to the development of the communities surrounding its units. Over the next few years, the initiative will offer 230 free slots in 18 classes of four courses: Welder, Sander, Electrician and Administrative. The activities are destined for residents of communities close to the company's pipeline, in the cities of Abaetetuba, Acará, Ipixuna do Pará, Moju and Tomé-Açu.

The offer of courses was defined in dialogue with the communities, with a focus on the social, economic and sustainable development of the region. For residents, it represents an opportunity for professional growth with the quality of Senai and obtaining a certificate recognized throughout the national territory. “I can say that it was great, because I had a great learning experience. I can say that I am ready for the job market ”, sums up Patrícia Evangelista Cardoso, who completed her training in the Sander course.

For Iranilce Maciel da Silva, trained as a welder, the course brought more than professional qualification. “I can say that it was a very good learning experience, a training that brought me a new vision of work and myself. I leave this course both physically and emotionally stronger, because the learning I received was and will be of great value, both in the job market and in my private life. This course broadened my horizons, opened up a range of new opportunities in the job market, as it allows me to work in several areas of the industry and also gives me autonomy, she explained ”

In Ipixuna do Pará, the Program is ongoing with training courses for welders, sanders and electricians, totaling 50 vacancies. In the other cities, the enrollment stage will still be made, for later definition of the schedule of the courses, taking care of permanent dialogue with the communities and authorities.

It is important to highlight that the courses follow all the health guidelines recommended during the pandemic. Classes have a maximum limit of 15 students and all prevention protocols are followed, such as temperature checking, mandatory use of masks, distance between participants and availability of gel alcohol.