Last month saw heavy rains hitting the mountainous regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro, killing more than 800 people according to official figures, and making thousands homeless.

Wagner Pinheiro de Oliveira, president of Brazil’s Correios was due to sign over the 20,000 square metre training center to the city’s mayor in a ceremony today. The building is to be used by municipal authorities in Petropolis to provide accommodation for the dispossessed and storage for emergency food provisions.

Correios has also been collecting donations at its post offices for flood victims in Rio de Janeiro, including non-perishable food, clothing, bedding and tents, with the company offering free postage for donations.

Apprenticeships

While transferring the training centre to city officials, ECT said today that it will actually double the size of its Young Apprentice Programme in the city, offering positions for 24 apprentices from today.

The programme is a major new education initiative for Brazil, developed in partnership with the national industrial apprenticeship service, SENAI.

From next month, around 4,355 young people in 116 localities will take part in a two-year apprenticeship in SENAI schools, receiving technical and professional training in administrative skills and activities.

Apprentices on the programme receive a monthly salary of R$239.73 ($143.20 USD), along with transport vouchers, food stamps and both medical and dental healthcare coverage.

Pinheiro de Oliveira said: “The program is important to ensure the inclusion of youth in the market, and ensure a quality training for apprentices.”

“With the increasing number of vacancies to Petropolis, the Post offers young people from the affected communities a chance for a promising start,” he added.

Source: James Cartledge, Post&Parcel

Tags: Apprenticeships, Brazil, Brazilian Postal Service - ECT, Correios, Training