Vocational training and labor market outcomes in Brazil

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of vocational training on labor market outcomes in Brazilian metropolitan areas. Estimates based on difference-in-differences matching indicate that vocational training increases monthly and hourly labor earnings, as well as the probability of getting a job. However, evidence does not indicate that this kind of training improves access to jobs in the formal sector. Also according to the results, vocational training in Brazil seems to be more effective for workers with more labor market experience and for those with a higher level of formal education than for individuals in disadvantaged groups.