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Who benefits from job training programs? Evidence from a high-dosage program in Brazil

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  • Da Mata, Daniel
  • Oliveira, Rodrigo
  • Silva, Diana

Abstract

Using admission lotteries and registry data linking labor market outcomes, we study the short- and medium-term effects of a vocational training program focused on disadvantaged individuals in Brazil. The intensive program is an 18-month classroom training coupled with a 6-month on-the-job training provided by government-sponsored training centers. When assessing the impacts on 15,000 winners and 200,000 nonwinners who graduated in different business cycle moments, we show that female students fare better than their male counterparts. Results are driven by courses in services. Investigating outcomes beyond employment and earnings, we find no effects on entrepreneurship or university admission.

Suggested Citation

  • Da Mata, Daniel & Oliveira, Rodrigo & Silva, Diana, 2025. "Who benefits from job training programs? Evidence from a high-dosage program in Brazil," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:175:y:2025:i:c:s0304387825000276
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2025.103476
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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