From Brazil to Dili: Brazil’s TVET experience offers lessons for Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) – As Timor-Leste works to strengthen its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system and prepare its workforce for regional opportunities, government representatives and TVET stakeholders have explored lessons from Brazil’s experience in organizing and delivering skills development at the national level.

On 29 October, the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the European Union (EU), organised a knowledge-sharing session in Dili featuring Prof. Dr. Etiane Araldi of the Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ). Under the title “Brazil’s TVET System: Introducing the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific and Technological Education,” the session introduced Brazil’s approach to coordinating professional, scientific and technological education across the country.

The event was organised under the Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience Programme, funded by the EU and implemented by the ILO. It brought together eight government representatives, representatives of TVET institutions from across Timor-Leste, trade union representatives, the UN Resident Coordinator, the Ambassador of Brazil to Timor-Leste and EU representatives.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

Prof. Araldi outlined the structure of Brazil’s TVET system, explaining how professional and technical education is organised and delivered, and the institutional arrangements that support skills development nationwide. The presentation was followed by an open discussion, allowing participants to compare experiences and consider how relevant aspects of Brazil’s approach could be adapted to Timor-Leste’s institutional context and labour market needs.

This presentation was vital for all of us here... Our system is governed differently from Brazil’s, but there are many lessons we can integrate. This is especially important for ASEAN accession, because we should standardize our system and make sure it meets regional quality.

Pedro da S. Ximenes, Director at the Ministry of Education

The Ambassador of Brazil to Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Ricardo Lustosa Lean, highlighted the value of Brazil’s experience and the opportunities for closer cooperation as Brazil explores a dialogue partnership with ASEAN. “As Brazil deepens its engagement with ASEAN, we see real value in sharing what has worked for us,” he said. “By adapting these approaches where they fit, Timor-Leste can build a TVET system that meets regional standards and produces a quality workforce, quality curricula and strong units of competency for skills development.”

Pedro da S. Ximenes, Director at the Ministry of Education, underscored the relevance of the exchange as Timor-Leste continues its efforts to align its TVET system with regional quality standards in the context of ASEAN accession. “This presentation was vital for all of us here, especially for those working in Timor-Leste’s TVET system. Our system is governed differently from Brazil’s, but there are many lessons we can integrate. This is especially important for ASEAN accession, because we should standardize our system and make sure it meets regional quality,” he said.

© Nuncio Da Costa/ILO

The UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun, highlighted the broader contribution of quality skills development to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. “Investing in quality technical and vocational skills goes to the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals, from decent work and economic growth to quality education and reduced inequality. I thank the ILO and the European Union for bringing this exchange to Dili and for helping Timor-Leste learn from the experience of partners like Brazil.”

As Timor-Leste advances its ASEAN integration, strengthening the quality, relevance and recognition of its skills system will be essential to expanding opportunities for young people and workers, both at home and across the region.

Exchanges such as this demonstrate the value of South–South cooperation in supporting that ambition. By learning from the experiences of other countries while adapting approaches to its own priorities and circumstances, Timor-Leste can continue building a TVET system that responds to labour market needs, supports decent work and equips its workforce for the future.

I thank the ILO and the European Union for bringing this exchange to Dili and for helping Timor-Leste learn from the experience of partners like Brazil.

Funmi Balogun, UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste

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