With the goal of combining social impact with technical training, Convergint Brazil joined the Jornaduca project in partnership with the NGO Instituto Empreenduca, Sebrae, and Desk Manager, contributing to a new generation of students by offering low-income youth the chance to start a career in the audiovisual and electronic security sectors.

According to Bruno Cruz, Marketing & Academy Director at Convergint Latin America, the initiative arose from the internal need for more qualified professionals in line with the company’s growth and the complexity of its projects. But what started as a solution for recruiting interns turned into something much bigger: “In addition to training, we’re transforming real stories,” he says.

Technical Training with a Human Focus

The learning path developed by Convergint Academy includes both technical content and interpersonal skills. Young participants take part in in-person classes, mentoring sessions with company professionals, and hands-on training in a real work environment. The focus is not only on preparing them for the job market but also on building their confidence and giving them a new outlook on the future.

“Beyond the learning process, we want to open doors. According to Empreenduca’s annual census, 47% of these young people’s household income comes from their own salary. The impact we seek is to be a turning point in their lives,” Bruno says.

“We want them to graduate with more autonomy, confidence, and awareness of their own value. Many arrive not believing they can be part of a global company. But when they see a structure that believes in them, everything changes,” he explains.

Connection with the AV Industry

To help students get familiar with the industry, introductory AVIXA courses—recognized worldwide for certifications and educational content in the AV industry—were included, such as Quick Start - Onboarding the AV Industry, Fundamentals of AV Technology, and Recognized AV Technologist.

These courses help young participants understand the market they are entering and recognize the value of a professional certification as a competitive advantage.

“These materials help build knowledge, broaden technical perspectives, and provide a clear idea of what is expected in the industry. They also spark interest in continuing to learn and grow,” added Bruno.

A Collaborative and Transformative Project

The program is the result of combining diverse experiences: Convergint brings corporate expertise and technical career opportunities; Empreenduca provides social awareness and close support to the youth; Sebrae contributes its experience in entrepreneurship and skills development.

The Academy’s methodology is active, placing students at the center of the learning process. They participate in real-life simulations, hands-on projects, and follow an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that guides their path within the company.

Beyond Training: Real Inclusion

Bruno emphasizes that the biggest challenge for these young people is not just the lack of technical knowledge, but the absence of a network and the confidence to believe they belong in the corporate world: “True inclusion happens not just by offering an opportunity, but by preparing the person to make the most of it.”

With an internal network of committed tutors and leaders, Convergint ensures guidance from the beginning of the program all the way to the integration of young participants into the Delivery and After-Sales teams.

The Academy has developed an evaluation tool to track how the acquired knowledge is applied in practice over at least six months.

A Future in Expansion

The first cohort of 20 young people is already underway in São Paulo. But the goal is to replicate the program in other Convergint offices in different regions and countries.

“We want this initiative to grow, gain strength, and generate more and more impact,” Bruno states. “Jornaduca goes beyond technical training: it involves listening, support, relationship-building, and ongoing mentorship, from recruitment to day-to-day work life.”

An Invitation to Other Companies

For companies interested in investing in social impact projects, Bruno leaves a clear message: “Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start. The most important thing is to take the first step with genuine intent. This kind of project doesn’t come ready-made. It’s necessary to build dialogue between different realities, to learn, understand, and trust. When that happens, the impact is transformative—for young people, for society, and for the companies.”

“Companies that connect with social causes in a genuine way don’t just create external impact—they also renew themselves from the inside. Teams become more engaged, purpose turns into action, and organizational culture is strengthened. To those considering something similar: go for it! Choose the right allies, listen to those who are already on this path, and understand that transforming realities takes time… but it’s worth every second,” he concludes.

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This article was originally posted in Spanish by AVIXA Español and in Portuguese by AVIXA Português.