CT Calçado SENAI – the Footwear Technology Centre, based in Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, is commemorating its 60th year of training professionals and rendering technological services to the Brazilian shoe industry. Having trained several generations of technicians and workers for the industry, the centre is considered a reference for quality in professional training and an increasing number of technicians that were taught at the centre are now working abroad. Every year, over 3,000 people are trained and 18,000 technical hours are devoted to companies in the industry. According to Carlos Trein, its director, "CT Calçado SENAI always focuses on the quality of the services rendered." 

The centre was founded in 1946 to help to improve the technical and technological development of the sector. Projects have been developed in the areas of fashion, quality and competitiveness and environmental issues. With specialised facilities and professionals, the centre offers the support necessary to develop the local shoe industry through consultancy, research, projects and tests. The test laboratory is certified by the Brazilian Institute of Metrology, Standardisation and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) and offers a wide range of physical, mechanical and chemical tests. Linked to the Brazilian Design Programme, CT Calçado sees design as a tool to add value to Brazilian footwear and increase the competitiveness of Brazilian manufacturers.