The development of vocational training in El Salvador: ILO/Cinterfor works together with INSAFORP to review and update the national vocational training policy and the strategic plan for 2023-2027.

Over its thirty years of existence, INSAFORP has had to adapt to the constant changes in the world of work. These changes have been accelerated and deepened by the new industrial revolution that is transforming humanity. The emergence of Industry 4.0, in a context of unprecedented green and demographic transition, has shaken the foundations of the world of work and education. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of disruptive technologies, facilitating the emergence of a new paradigm of vocational training.

In response to these challenges, INSAFORP agreed with ILO/Cinterfor on a technical assistance process (which began in November 2022) with the aim of reviewing and updating the National Vocational Training Policy to strengthen El Salvador's National Vocational Training System and work on the formulation of the New Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. The main focus of action is to strengthen the coordination and cooperation among the organizations that make up the system, update and innovate the services provided to companies and trained individuals, expand access for women and the most vulnerable populations to programs with high labor market insertion, foster innovation as an essential value for the evolution of the system and the organization towards international standards of excellence, and expand institutional capacities for data-driven decision-making.

The agreed-upon proposal includes identifying and analyzing policy instruments and trends in vocational training at the regional and international levels, considering technological changes, innovations, and success stories; proposals for economic and social development in the country; and reviewing and analyzing existing public policy instruments in the field of vocational training in the country. Additionally, it is proposed to review and update the National Vocational Training Policy to be an instrument that innovatively responds to the demands of the current context and strengthens the National Vocational Training System.

After several months of implementation, various activities have been carried out, all with a focus on strengthening interinstitutional cooperation by leveraging available resources, including specialized technical knowledge, professional competencies, technology, and innovation. The methodology designed for its development is based on consultation with key entities in the vocational training ecosystem, including strategic partners, training centers, facilitators/instructors, government institutions, business associations, workers, as well as technical and administrative staff of the institution.

This process is coordinated by Fernando Vargas Zúñiga, an ILO/Cinterfor specialist, with the support of Álvaro Ramírez, an ILO/Cinterfor consultant.