Minas Gerais opens 50,000 free technical course spots via Trilhas de Futuro

The 7th edition of the 'Trilhas de Futuro' program in Minas Gerais has opened registration, offering approximately 50,000 free spots in 130 technical courses. The initiative, coordinated by the Minas Gerais State Secretariat of Education, spans 181 municipalities and aims to align professional training with regional market demands.

Eligible participants include students currently in the 2nd or 3rd year of high school (including full-time and adult education) as well as those who have already completed high school. The program provides a daily allowance of R$ 20 for food and transportation, contingent upon class attendance. This edition has expanded to include 21 additional municipalities, such as Conceição das Alagoas and Serra do Salitre.

Nationally, Brazil has seen a significant rise in vocational education, with technical course enrollments increasing by 68.4% between 2021 and 2025. According to the 2025 School Census by Inep, the total number of professional education students exceeded 3.1 million, up from 1.8 million four years prior. The health sector, particularly pharmacy and oral health, remains a high-demand area for those seeking rapid career transitions through specialized training.