Members of the BRICS Bloc are taking steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key tool for sustainable socio-economic development, according to the official website of the Brazilian Government.

The Brazilian Ministry of Education hosted a meeting of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS TCA), which discussed expanding access to education, innovation, and training for skills in demand in the labour market.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Education, scientific institutions and international organisations of the BRICS countries.

The participants exchanged experiences in implementing vocational education programmes and identified priorities for further cooperation.

Francisco Figueiredo, Special Advisor to the Brazilian Minister of Education, emphasised the importance of the group as a platform for exchanging policies and best practices and establishing direct links between relevant
institutions in the participating countries.

Marcelo Bregagnoli, State Secretary for Technological and Professional Education of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, noted a significant increase in the number of students in this field. According to the 2024 census, more than 2.5 million schoolchildren are enrolled in secondary vocational education programmes, of which more than 1.5 million are in public institutions.

The meeting participants identified three priority areas: ensuring the quality and accessibility of education for young people, enhancing the role of vocational education in the economic development of BRICS countries.

It also underscored the introduction of new technologies and innovative methods in education as one of the priority areas.

Chinese representative Zhai Jinming noted that BRICS TCA has become an important platform for deepening cooperation between countries in the field of vocational education.

He expressed confidence that student and teacher exchanges as well as joint research and training programmes will expand.

Representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE also participated in the discussions. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim