The Role of the Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology in Forming a Workforce Aligned with Circular Economy Principles and Strategies

Objective: This study aims to assess the adherence of the themes and the current curricular matrices of the courses after high school at the Brazilian Federal Institutes of Education, Science, and Technology regarding the principles and strategies of the Circular Economy (CE). Theoretical Framework: In the current scenario of resource scarcity and climate emergency, CE emerges as a viable alternative. In Brazil, the Federal Institutes (FIs) can play a crucial role in training a qualified workforce for CE, offering professional education that meets market demands. Method: The methodology adopted is classified as qualitative and applied. Regarding its classification, it is descriptive. Regarding the design, it is classified as a documentary since the primary data source was the IFs' websites. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that 26.17% of the 554 courses evaluated have content related to CE. The analysis showed a predominance of disciplines, such as Environmental Management, but a gap in specific CE courses. Research Implications: From a practical perspective, this study provides insights into the need for changes in the current economic model regarding public education policies adopted in Brazil to prioritize areas of study. As for the theoretical contribution, the study discusses conceptual issues of CE based on findings from the Brazilian context in order to fill a research gap. Originality/Value The research highlights the importance of training professionals with critical and practical skills in CE, highlighting the need for curricular reform that meets new market demands and promotes a circular mindset.