Abstract Industry 4.0 has transformed production processes and increased the demand for new professional competencies. However, the shortage of skilled workers and inequalities in access to technological training hinder workforce adaptation to this new scenario. This study proposes and evaluates an educational framework for professional training in Industry 4.0, implemented in the Mão na Massa na Indústria 4.0 program in Rio Branco, Brazil. The model integrates technical, interpersonal, and cognitive competencies, combining active methodologies with practical learning. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including quantitative and qualitative analyses of the program's impact. Structured questionnaires were administered at the end of the training to assess participants’ competency development and perceptions of the course. The results showed that 77% of participants reported increased confidence in using emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and Big Data, while 95% highlighted improvements in interpersonal skills such as leadership and teamwork. Additionally, 80% reported enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The framework demonstrated flexibility for adaptation to different industrial sectors and regional contexts, making it applicable both to workforce qualification in industrial hubs and to digital inclusion initiatives in less developed regions. Future research should explore its integration with public policies and its replication in different productive contexts, consolidating it as an alternative for professional training in the digital economy.
Soliani et al. (Wed,) studied this question.