Skills4LAC Agenda

Time Wednesday, 08.10.2025
08:30 – 09:00
Arrival
09:00- 09:15
Opening Remarks
09:15 – 10:00
Keynote Speaker
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break & Networking Stands
10:30 – 11:30
Panel Discussion I: Bridging the Skills Gap: Integrating Work-Based Learning in Education and Employment
11:30 – 12:30
TED Talks: Get Inspired!
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch Break & Networking Stands
14:00 – 16:00
Showcase of Practice Enterprise Tour & Networking
16:00
Closing Remarks
Time Thursday, 09.10.2025
08:30 – 09:00
Arrival
09:00 – 09:15
Opening Remarks
09:15 – 10:00
Keynote Speaker
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break & Networking Stands
10:30 – 11:30
Panel Discussion II: Future of Work-Based Learning (in the LAC region and beyond)
11:30 – 13:00
Collaborative Sessions: Connecting Education with Work-Based Learning
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch Break & Networking Stands
14:30 – 16:00
Talent in Action: Youth Learning Pitches
16:00
Final Reflection and Closing Remarks

Meet the Speakers and Moderators

Thiago Morais
Luiz Leão
Federico Roibón
Cristiane Serpa
Louis Jacques Filion
Jean Marc- Hetsch
Victoria Hädler
Scott Mitchell
Svenja Zenz
Arianna Frencia
Luciano Sathler Speaker Card
Fabiana Pinho Speaker Card
Rafael Parente
JonatanMendes_speakercard
Mauro_SpeakerCard
Cacilda_SpeakerCard
Rachel_Speakercard
MariaSpeakerCard
Edward Vogel Card
AnnaSpeaker Card
Speakers (13)

Additional speakers to be announced.

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Welcome session and opening remarks:

  • Anna Andreu, Fundació Inform, Spain
  • Fabiana Ribeiro de Pinho, SEBRAE, Brazil
  • Douglas Augusto Oliveira Cabido, SEBRAE, Brazil
  • Scott Mitchell, PEN Worldwide, Canada

Mr. Edward Vogel, Lead Consultant for LAC Region, People1st International

Edward Vogel is an international consultant based in Mexico City, specialising in TVET, skills development, and work-based learning. He has led projects across LAC region, working to align education with labour market needs and promote inclusion. His recent work includes initiatives in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Belize, Colombia, and Jamaica. Edward continues to advise on policy, capacity-building, and workforce innovation for more responsive and inclusive TVET.

The Networking Stands are dedicated spaces where institutions, organisations, youth initiatives, and other key actors in the field of skills development can showcase their work, share experiences, and connect directly with event participants.

 

Moderator: Mr. Scott Mitchell, PEN Worldwide, Germany

Speakers:

  • Mrs. Maria Benages, Fundació Inform, Spain
  • Mr. Federico Roibón, CAS.INET, Argentina
  • Mrs. Arianna Frencia, Istituto Don Calabria, Dominican Republic
  • Mr. Mauro Tempio, Institute Virginio Gomez, Chile 
  • Mr. Louis Jacques Filion, HEC Montréal, Canada

This session will explore the issues in the labour market, particularly in the LAC region, and brainstorm about possible factors for this problem, focusing on the skills gap. The session will delve into how WBL can be a powerful tool to bridge the skills gap, prepare students for the evolving world of work, and create pathways to sustainable employment.

Speaker Organizations:

  • Luiz Leão, SENAI (WorldSkills)
  • Thiago Morais and Fabiana Ribeiro de Pinho, SEBRAE
  • Jonatan Mendes, JA Minas Gerais

In this session, three education organizations will be invited on stage to provide valuable insights into successful best practices, innovative approaches, and real-world experiences.

This dynamic section of the event highlights innovative work-based learning models, with a special focus on Practice Enterprises and other experiential training approaches. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, real-life demonstrations, and success stories from Practice Enterprises implementing hands-on learning strategies.

Mr. Rafael Parente, Instituto Salto, Brazil

Rafael Parente is an expert in educational innovation, holding a PhD in Education from New York University (NYU) and serving as Executive Director of the Instituto Salto.  With extensive experience in educational management, he served as the Secretary of State for Education in the Federal District and collaborated with institutions such as the Brookings Institution. Co-author of the book How to Educate Families for Challenging Futures, he is one of the leading figures in the application of emerging technologies in education, aiming to prepare both students and teachers for the challenges of the future.

Moderator: Mr. Luciano Sathler, CEO of CertifikEDU and Member of the State Board of Education of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Speakers:

  • Mr. Rafael Parente, Instituto Salto 
  • Mr. Matheus Biancardine Mota, State Director for Youth Policy for the Government of Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • Mr. Jean-Marc Hetsch, REEP Euro Ent’Ent, France
  • Mrs. Cristiane Serpa, SENAC, Brazil

This session explores the critical role of work-based learning (WBL) in shaping the future of education and labour markets in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region and beyond. It emphasises the integration of education and work as a pathway to enhance skill development, promote job readiness, and improve socio-economic outcomes.

Moderators:

  • Mrs. Anna Andreu, Fundació Inform, Spain
  • Ms. Svenja Zenz, PEN Worldwide, Germany
  • Ms. Margarida Guilherme, PEN Worldwide, Portugal
  • Rachel Dornelas, SEBRAE, Brazil
  • Cacilda Almeida, SEBRAE, Brazil

In this session, participants will engage in dynamic collaborative sessions, where small groups will explore key questions on relevant topics. Each table will focus on a specific theme, encouraging idea-sharing, and problem-solving. The moderators will guide the discussion, ensuring an inclusive exchange of perspectives. The groups will answer to the follow questions: 

  1. How can education be better aligned with the current demands of the job market?
  2. What are the key challenges for work-based learning concepts compared to theoretical learning?
  3. How can we build student and school interest in implementing work-based learning?

Moderators: 

  • Lavinia Gontijo
  • Pedro Moreira

Youth Presenters:

  • Manuela Amorim
  • Davi Parreiras Lage
  • Fernanda Arthuso Guerra
  • Pedro Schott

In this session, students from Practice Enterprises take the stage to present their innovative business projects. This dynamic session highlights the creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit of the youngsters as they pitch their companies to the audience. Get ready to witness the next generation of entrepreneurs in action!