Brazil vocational education grows 68% amid rising demand

Vocational education in Brazil has seen significant growth, with enrollments increasing by 68.4% over five years. According to 2025 School Census data from the Ministry of Education and Inep, enrollments rose from 1.89 million in 2021 to 3.19 million in 2025.

This expansion is driven by a diverse student body seeking career changes, initial qualifications, or supplemental income. This shift is redefining the role of educators, who must now balance technical instruction with practical, real-world application to meet varied student expectations.

In the technology sector, the startup Leapy has secured investment from the Swiss-based elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization. This marks the foundation's first investment in Brazil. Leapy utilizes artificial intelligence to map competencies and personalize training for young apprentices, aiming to bridge the gap between skill development and corporate needs. The company reports that its partner organizations see employment rates for apprentices at least three times higher than the national average of 15%.