Besides qualifying labor, the program entitled "O Futuro em Nossas Mãos" (The Future in Our Hands) caters to charitable institutions with the execution of several social works in Paraná. The professional qualification program has already prepared 1,158 youths for the civil construction job market since its deployment in July 2003. The works built by the apprentices, in the practical lessons, benefited 48 philanthropic entities in Paraná. The figures will be presented tomorrow (11.17), during the Olympics of Knowledge, an event held at Cietep and at Senai-CIC. The initiative came into being at Votorantim Cimentos and has achieved success in results through the partnership with Senai-PR – National Service of Industrial Education / Fiep – Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná, which has acknowledged quality in training; Rotary International, active in communities, is responsible for the organization of the classes and selects the social entity to be benefited; Sinduscon-PR – Trade Union of the Civil Construction Industry of the State of Paraná, registers professionals to work in civil construction; and Fecomac-PR – Federation of Associations of Construction Material Traders of the State of Paraná, which acts as a link of the chain responsible for construction materials that the youths will need after they have completed the course. A "cooperation agreement” was executed between these institutions exactly one year ago, in which Instituto Votorantim invested R$ 2 million. In addition to professionalizing education, at the end of the course each student also receives a toolkit (safety goggles, PVC gloves, plummet, spirit level, aluminum straightedge, trowel, float and tape measure) to facilitate admission in the job market. "This action results in the development of professionals for civil construction and, on account of the work and competencies of our partners, the project spawns employability and promotes citizenship", points out Marcelo Lass, commercial manager for the Southern Region of Votorantim Cimentos. The program has already reached 18 municipalities in the state of Parana