Training workers for nearly every need in the economy

Every economy needs an educated workforce to grow and advance. Most countries’ education systems are set up to help provide the workforce needed by businesses, the government and other employers, but often more training is needed before graduates can move on to a fruitful life of employment.

In Colombia, the government established the National Training Service, or SENA in its Spanish initials, to help give Colombians the skills and experience they need to get and keep a job, and to provide themselves and their families with the income they need to improve the quality of their lives.

SENA is an institution that functions through the cooperation of the government, companies (such as Spain’s Telefonica) and workers. It was set up 54 years ago, and since June 21, 1957, millions of Colombians have benefited from its vocational training in classes and in the workplace, from its job placement service and the many other ways that the institution helps workers find jobs.

SENA INVESTS IN THE SOCIAL AND TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OF COLOMBIAN WORKERS THE INSTITUTION WILL OPEN A TECHNOPARK, WHERE PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER THEIR BUSINESS IDEAS

SENA’s main goal is to provide a high-quality education to workers. Another important objective, though, is to promote economic growth through technical support to companies and by backing innovative projects, providing technological services to the productive sector and helping small businesses.

At its 116 training centers throughout Colombia, SENA offers long and short courses developed around the needs of different sectors of the economy, and around the social needs of the areas around the centers. When finished, the students have gained the knowledge and skills they need for the job, and the ability to learn and adapt to changing requirements in the sector.

SENA has also carried out important work in setting standards and norms for job training that permit workers to be evaluated, trained and certified based on the same requirements in all of Colombia, upholding the level of excellence for workers throughout the entire country.

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SENA was created to give all Colombians a chance to gain work skills, to make themselves more employable and to help themselves and the country to grow economically. After 54 years of non-stop work, the institution continues to provide government and businesses with the high-quality employees they need.

Agreement with the German BIBB

SENA is constantly working to improve its systems and methods, and earlier this year during a visit to Germany by President Juan Manuel Santos, SENA Director Father Camilo Bernal signed an agreement with its German counterpart, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, or BIBB.

The agreement is intended to promote joint activities and information exchanges in the area of vocational education and training. Some of the areas covered include institutional modernization, qualification requirements, training qualifications and the development of national testing standards.  

SENA targets social and economic inclusion

Colombia is a very diverse country and the Santos administration seeks prosperity for all through more jobs, a reduction in poverty and greater security.

The country also has a wide range of socio-economic levels, and the government is determined to provide economic, social and educational inclusion for all Colombians.

SENA is an important part of the effort to promote inclusion. The institution provides free training and education to all Colombians who need it, preparing them for a productive working life.