Dialogue between education and employment with a focus on skills, equity and innovation

With outstanding participation from students, teachers, graduates and representatives from the business and government sectors, UMECIT David campus held the event on April 28th Let's connect Education and Employment, under the central theme “Competencies, Equity and Innovation: the new map of the labor market, its impact on university education and its link with the productive sector”.

The meeting was consolidated as a strategic space aimed at strengthening university education through the effective articulation between academia, the business sector and the government sector, contributing to the design of public policies that promote competitiveness, innovation and the integral development of human talent in Panama.

The opening remarks were delivered by Hermes Mauricio Sierra, Academic Vice-Rector, and Rodrigo Arosemena, Regional Director of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) in Chiriquí, who emphasized the importance of collaborative work in training professionals aligned with the demands of the labor market. Mr. Arosemena also acknowledged UMECIT's initiative in promoting dialogue focused on strengthening knowledge and research.

During the event, Ms. Mavis Polo Cheva, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture and Tourism of Chiriquí, presented the paper “The challenge of connection in the Panamanian labor market”, highlighting the importance of updating curricula, strengthening the link with the business sector, promoting dual training and encouraging early work experience.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Micda. Myriam Agudelo, Yelitza González and Melanie Castillo, representing MICI, reaffirming the inter-institutional commitment to the development of the country.