Teachers Will Receive Training to Develop Talent for an Industry Strategic to Mexico
TIJUANA – The Semiconductor Training Program, launched by the Secretariat of Economy and Innovation (SEI) in partnership with Santander Universities, in collaboration with Emtech Institute and Arizona State University, has officially begun. The program will train 110 teachers from 18 educational institutions and research centers to develop specialized skills, leveraging the strategic importance of semiconductors for technological progress across multiple industries, reported Secretary Kurt Honold Morales.
Honold Morales explained that Mexico, and specifically Baja California, has better opportunities and conditions than other countries and regions to integrate into the global semiconductor value chain, with talent being a key component for this and other industries. Working groups will collaborate with companies such as Skyworks, Qualcomm, and Infineon to exchange knowledge, develop skills, and promote research and innovation within the sector.
The program, which opened for applications in May and runs until December, focuses on two key areas of this strategic industry: Semiconductor Design and Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Of the total accepted participants, 42% are from Tijuana, 34% from Mexicali, 22% from Ensenada, and 2% from Tecate. Women represent 24.5% of participants, while men account for 75.5%.
During a ceremony held at the Center of Excellence in Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship at CETYS Universidad, it was highlighted that the program will provide selected teachers with access to high-quality training, online sessions, personalized tutoring, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Fernando León, Rector of CETYS Universidad, representing academia, reiterated the commitment to engage in projects with the productive sector and recognized the program’s strong coordination and execution capabilities.
Also present was Mr. Jaime Valls, Deputy Director of Santander Universities, who emphasized that semiconductors play a crucial role in the country’s ability to attract investment.
Mr. Fernando Sepúlveda, President of the Ibero-American Technology Foundation, described the initiative as a “training of trainers” effort and noted that a community of practice will be established among the teachers to continue sharing experiences.
Marco Serrato, Associate Vice President for Collaboration at Arizona State University, highlighted the synergy of participating in talent development programs, given their expertise and experience in the semiconductor field.
During the event, the Semiconductor Center of Excellence was presented, bringing together government, academia, and industry. Participants in the training program will engage in working groups with companies such as Skyworks, Qualcomm, and Infineon to facilitate knowledge exchange, skills development, research, and innovation within the sector.
Also in attendance were the Rectors of Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Luis Enrique Palafox; Universidad Tecnológica de Tijuana, Salvador Morales Riubí; the General Director of Universidad Iberoamericana, Florentino Badial; Undersecretary for Investment Management, Rodolfo Andrade; and Director of Innovation and Technology, Dulce Rodríguez López, among other authorities.
