Who benefits from job training programs? Evidence from a high-dosage program in Brazil

Using admission lotteries and registry data linking labor market outcomes, we study the short- and medium-term effects of a vocational training program focused on disadvantaged individuals in Brazil. The intensive program is an 18-month classroom training coupled with a 6-month on-the-job training provided by government-sponsored training centers. When assessing the impacts on 15,000 winners and 200,000 nonwinners who graduated in different business cycle moments, we show that female students fare better than their male counterparts. Results are driven by courses in services. Investigating outcomes beyond employment and earnings, we find no effects on entrepreneurship or university admission. • Vocational training for workers is extensively available worldwide. • This paper analyzes a vocational training program in one of Brazil’s poorest states. • The program offers a mix of classroom training and internship for 24 months. • Female students benefited more from the program regardless of the economic conditions. • Examining outcomes beyond employment, there is no effect on entrepreneurship.