Addressing the Skills Gap in Jalisco’s Tech Industry
In Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) and its 20 technology superior education centers are preparing to modify their curricula to offer short, flexible programs. This initiative aims to meet the talent demands of businesses and enable young individuals to quickly enter the job market.
The Talent Shortage in Jalisco
Jaime Reyes, Operations Director of Foxconn Guadalajara’s Supply Chain, stated that graduates from Jalisco’s public and private universities only fulfill 60-70% of the skilled labor demand for electronic and high-tech companies in the region.
- Current graduate distribution: Derecho, Administration of Enterprises, Accounting, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, Teaching Formation, Nursing.
- Lacking areas: Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Data Analysis, Advanced Manufacturing.
- Need for early intervention in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at primary, middle, and high school levels.
Reyes emphasized that to make a difference, they must focus on STEM education at the preparatory and secondary levels.
SICyT Conducts Diagnostic Analysis
Horacio Fernández, Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology (SICyT) for the Jalisco government, announced that SICyT is conducting a diagnostic analysis to understand business needs and align them with the higher education technology offerings under state control.
- SICyT oversees 20 technology superior education centers with 25,000 students.
- Planned changes: eliminating programs, introducing new ones, modifying content, and creating short-term programs.
Strategy to Keep Youth Away from Crime
Fernández highlighted that young people prefer shorter, two-year programs so they can start working sooner. This approach aims to compete with criminal organizations by providing quicker job opportunities and reducing the allure of joining drug trafficking or other illicit activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue being addressed? The shortage of skilled labor in Jalisco’s tech industry.
- Who is taking action? The University of Guadalajara (UdeG) and its 20 technology superior education centers, along with the Jalisco government’s Secretariat of Innovation, Science, and Technology (SICyT).
- What changes are being implemented? Curriculum modifications, introduction of short-term programs, and alignment with industry needs.
- What is the ultimate goal? To equip young individuals with in-demand skills, enabling them to quickly enter the job market and reduce their vulnerability to criminal organizations.
