News
Veracel invests R$ 8.3 million to train 5,500 local residents - 08.01.03
Designed to satisfy the local manpower requirements during the construction and the operation of its future pulp mill, in July Veracel initiated a wide ranging training program for 5,500 residents of the nine municipalities in the extreme south of the state of Bahia where the company has its eucalyptus plantations. The investment in the training program is on the order of R$ 8.3 million and will benefit individuals of different ages, school backgrounds and professional skills.
The Veracel Human Resources Qualification Program was set up in partnership with the state government through the Labor and Social Action Secretariat (SETRAS), the Senai and Cefet agencies and the city governments of Belmonte, Canavieiras, Eunápolis, Guaratinga, Itabela, Itagimirim, Itapebi, Porto Seguro and Santa Cruz Cabrália. The courses to be offered are for pulp technicians, mechanical maintenance, electricity and instrumentation and different construction activities such as foreman, carpentry, pipefitting, scaffolder, welder, etc. The students who are participating run the gamut from 18 to 54 years of age; 56% are men and 44% women.
Through this program, it is expected that the construction contractors who will set up in the region will find qualified professionals for the different activities needed to build the Veracel pulp mill. The total investment in the project, including the eucalyptus plantations and manufacturing facilities, is some US$ 1.25 billion. During the mill construction phase, the hiring of temporary manpower will reach a peak of 12,000 persons, between direct and indirect employees. During the operating phase, the project will be responsible for the generation of 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
Development stimulus
Flávio Feitosa Gomes, 23, from Porto Seguro, is a student in the pulp technician class. "What encouraged me to participate was the fact that Veracel is a company that permits growth, offering employment and learning opportunities. I expect to be a qualified and efficient professional," he said.
Training of manpower, besides contributing to the professional development of the people of the region, benefits the regional economy through the generation of jobs for local residents through an increase in overall commercial activities and a decrease in the migration of unqualified workers into the region. As result, there is reduced pressure on the public health services, less crime (since the workers are integrated into the region) and even fewer shantytowns once the project is concluded.