Ramacrisna’s welding course notebook has a special place in Junior’s locksmith shop: it is kept in a drawer, protected from anything that could damage it. And so much care has an explanation. It is because it was through the course that Junior was able to give a new direction to his life and fulfill his dream of owning his own business.

 Today, he looks for an employee at the Institute to help him on a day-to-day basis and intends to expand his company even further. Know more about its history.

Arrival in Betim

Júnior was born and raised in Carlos Chagas, a city of about 20,000 inhabitants, located in Vale do Mucuri, in Minas Gerais. As he had no growth prospects, he moved to Betim, in search of better opportunities.

“When I came here, I didn’t have anything, not even the right clothes”, says Júnior. Soon after arriving in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, he got a job, where he stayed for five years. But still he was not satisfied.

It was then that he decided to resign and, at the encouragement of a friend, went through the selection process for the welding course at Ramacrisna Institute. “I thought it was a very good profession. Also, I was very curious about the subject,” he explains.

In the course, Júnior learned to apply technical information, to interpret the symbology and specifications of the procedures and to use the correct equipment. In addition, he had contact with qualified professors in theoretical and practical classes, who gave him the knowledge to start working in the area.

After classes ended, he was ready to learn even more. “The course gave me the basis for learning about welding. I learned to solder, but I was still afraid to do it myself. Then I went to the job market to learn more and become a more prepared professional”, recalls Júnior.

So he started working in a locksmith shop. Although it was a great learning experience, Junior didn’t have the financial reward. So, he organized himself to start his own business: Serralheria do Júnior.

Performing a dream

Owning a business has always been Junior’s dream. More than earning money, it was an opportunity to show work and become a successful professional. At first, it wasn’t easy. He carried the metalon parts strapped to the bike. Even so, he found several clients.

Over time, the sawmill grew and soon came e-mails, issuing invoices, hiring an accountant and contracts with companies. But, like any company, the locksmith also had difficult times. Júnior says that, at the beginning of the pandemic, he had losses and almost closed the doors. However, with the support of other entrepreneurs, he recovered and no longer thinks about giving up.

Gradually, the sawmill recovered and, today, Júnior is looking for a collaborator to handle so many projects. For this, he sought indications in a place that trains good professionals: Ramacrisna. “It’s not just to make money. It is the way I have to generate jobs and help people”, he reflects.

Vocational courses at Ramacrisna Institute

Ramacrisna offers professional qualification courses for young people and adults in situations of social vulnerability living in 12 cities in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. In addition to technical learning, students receive human training, focused on the development of ethical and professional values.

 To participate in courses such as welding, industrial robotics, car mechanics and audiovisual, young people participate in a specific selection process for each course. Once approved, they receive teaching material and uniforms completely free of charge. And, at the end of the course, they participate in the graduation ceremony, when they earn the certificates.

 The courses are carried out by Ramacrisna with partner companies, such as the Municipality of Betim, Petrobras and BrazilFoundation. You too can contribute to change for thousands of young people and adults. Click and learn how to donate.