art of the Gerdau Group’s strategy is to stimulate the development of its customers’ businesses. With this aim, the Company held training programs in 2005 for around 30,000 people working in the civil construction, industrial and agricultural sectors in Brazil.

The initiatives are aimed at professionals such as engineers, builders, welders, fencers and rural producers, in addition to small and micro business owners, such as metalworkers and cabinetmakers.

The programs provide technical know-how regarding the most efficient use of products, and also offer tools for increasing the productivity of the business, perfecting financial management, strengthening marketing and safety concepts, and stimulating better customer service.