SCORE Training is being implemented in the context of the “Improved productivity and working conditions for small and medium enterprises in Sao Paulo” project, which supports SMEs of the apparel industry to become more productive through sustainable practices and improved working conditions. The programme implementation in Brazil is anchored in national and local training institutions, contributing to the objectives of a National Policy on strengthening SMEs and capacity building of all implementing partners. The partners engaged include the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), the Brazilian Textile Retail Association (ABVTEX) and the National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI). The Project was funded by the Brazilian Labor Prosecution Service.
In 2023, nine new SCORE Trainers and one SCORE Expert Trainer were trained on the Workplace Cooperation and Responsible Business training modules. A total of 67 participants from 15 SMEs located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo participated in SCORE Training and developed Enterprise Improvement Plans. The training directly benefited over 1,240 workers (82.7% female) and influenced 100 companies in the supply chain. Over the course of 4.5 months, the training led to a 19% productivity boost for medium enterprises and a 15% improvement for small enterprises. Notable achievements included a 58% decrease in unnecessary movements (i.e., movements that workers have to make during the course of their work, which do not add any value) in medium enterprises and a 9% reduction in small enterprises, along with a 21% decrease in rework rates for medium enterprises and a 12% reduction for small enterprises. Additionally, absenteeism decreased by 5%.
A greater commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident as several SMEs established internal committees or reviewed their hiring processes, resulting in an increased number of LGBTQIAPN+ employees. Furthermore, the ILO and SENAI, Brazil’s primary training institution for the industry, celebrated an implementation agreement under which SENAI supplied consultants and instructors to become trainers for Brazil’s SCORE Programme. The goal is to integrate the SCORE methodology into SENAI’s training and consultancy programmes. This integration is expected to strengthen the positive influence on responsible business practices in Brazil’s apparel sector.
A number of events were organized throughout 2023, including a project launch workshop for the sector in June, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop in August, as well as a good practices and results workshop in November.
Furthermore, the project team was invited to present the SCORE project at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in February 2023 and at the International Congress of The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit) in November. In 2024, the project was also selected to present their experience, achievements and good practices during a side event at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in February 2024.
