This first approach seeks to strengthen the exchange of ideas regarding the training of qualified labor for mining. Currently, El Teniente has more than 10 thousand workers belonging to 250 collaborating companies.

Mauricio Muñoz, Director of Management and Supervision of Collaborating Companies, explained that “it is essential that our collaborating companies join this commitment. 80% of this workforce comes from the region and they not only share our mission, but are also strategic partners in the relationship with communities and technical schools.”

This action is part of Codelco's Territorial Development Strategy, which promotes the progress of nearby areas in four thematic areas: community model, local economy, education and environmental sustainability. This year, the Division decided to move forward in the inclusion of its collaborating companies around this vision.

Cristián Sanhueza, Director of Community Development at El Teniente, said that “we want this challenge to become a shared value. In the technical schools, this collaboration is especially relevant because, given the number of workers and companies that operate in the Division, these educational centers have a fundamental role in the region, which gives them additional value in their role for the communities.”

Knowing the educational reality

The institute has an enrollment of 792 students and is dedicated to training mid-level technicians in specialties related to mining, such as Geology Assistance, Mining Exploitation, Extractive Metallurgy and Electricity.

Humberto Pizarro, the school's director, said that "it is important for us to have these visits so that they can learn about our reality and we can move forward in different challenges. The more eyes that look at us, the more space there is to grow, develop, share and generate ideas that allow us to build more innovative processes with the students."

Macarena Valenzuela, an organizational psychologist at DMC Mining Services, said that “these spaces are very positive and allow us to understand the reality and needs of students. The technical area is what we need most: eager, prepared, young and motivated people.”

“I found the experience very good, as it allows young people to see that they have opportunities in large companies and that their careers have great potential. Working life is built on relationships, and these opportunities are key to opening doors to their future,” added Alejandra Améstica Ramírez, Human Resources representative at OHLA.

Meanwhile, Germán León Machuca, contract manager at Nexxo, said that “as a company present in the region, we had to do our part to welcome this generation of technicians.”

During the day, the various material and curricular needs of the four specialties were addressed. In addition, representatives of the copper company and collaborating companies visited the facilities used by the establishment's practical workshops.