The Government of San Juan is expanding its technological training initiative, Verano Tech 2026, into the province’s mining departments for the first time. This move signals a strategic shift in how the mining sector engages with local communities, particularly the younger generation.
The program, which includes activities like the Robotics Competition and the School of Inventors, is now being implemented in Calingasta, Iglesia, Jáchal, and Ullum. These activities are designed to foster technology training and develop skills related to logical thinking and creativity. “We are not just teaching technology; we are nurturing problem-solvers and innovators,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Education.
A notable addition to this edition is the opening of Technological Training Centers. These centers will provide children and adolescents from mining communities direct access to the training proposals of the Center for the Knowledge Economy and Innovation (CECI). This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Mining, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Production, Labor, and Innovation. The Directorate of Sustainable Mining Development, the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training, and the CECI of the Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation are all playing pivotal roles in this coordinated endeavor.
The financing of the program is particularly noteworthy, as it is supported by mining funds. This financial model raises questions about the long-term sustainability and the potential for similar initiatives in other mining regions. How might this approach influence the relationship between mining companies and local communities? Could this model be replicated elsewhere, fostering a new era of community engagement and technological advancement in the mining sector?
The Verano Tech 2026 program is not just about imparting technical skills; it is about shaping the future workforce and fostering a culture of innovation within mining communities. By investing in the education and training of young people, the Government of San Juan is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and technologically advanced mining industry.
This initiative also raises broader questions about the role of technology in the mining sector. As automation and digital transformation continue to reshape the industry, how can programs like Verano Tech 2026 ensure that local communities are not left behind? How can mining companies and governments work together to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to technological education?
The Verano Tech 2026 program is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning. As the mining industry continues to evolve, so too must its approach to education and community engagement. The success of this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other regions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and investment in the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.