To support a key sector that accounts for more than 100,000 jobs in the state of Rio, spread across about 4,200 establishments, Firjan SENAI inaugurated on Monday (Aug 19) the Metalworking Reference Center and the IST in Industrial Engineering and Design, in Vila Isabel. The 2,500-square-meter facility, located at 601 São Francisco Xavier Street, offers training, professional certification, consulting, and specialized technical services.

“By strengthening this sector, we are driving the industry and the economy of Rio de Janeiro, aiming to increase productivity and sustainability,” said Luiz Césio Caetano (pictured), president of Firjan, highlighting that one of the Center’s differentials is its regional outreach, during a ceremony attended by union presidents and representatives of the metallurgical industries: Sindmetal CN, Sinmetal - CEM RIO, Metalsul, Simme, Sindmec, Sindmetal NO, Simmec, Sindicer MVP, Singrasul, and Simagran.

“It will be a widespread initiative, with a hub in the capital and others in the countryside, to serve a sector that is present throughout the state. The Center will identify and provide the skills needed by the industry,” explained Caetano.

With a positive balance of 26,000 jobs in 2024 — an increase of more than 25% compared to 2021 — the metalworking sector faces the challenge of supplying a workforce both in sufficient numbers and with adequate qualifications to meet companies’ demands. In response, the Reference Center has been created to bridge this gap, focusing on the sector’s needs by identifying and providing the required skills through services, training, and updated certification.