Bogota, Colombia [January 20, 2025] – Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of digital continuity and critical infrastructure solutions, is reinforcing its commitment to developing young talent in Colombia through the implementation of the “Youth in Smart Territories Program.” The program was developed in collaboration with the Siigo Foundation and the Council of American Enterprises (CEA), and was sponsored by USAID, which funded the logistical expenses of the event. The intensive three-day workshop extends education of young adults, ages 18-28 from vulnerable sectors, with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce skills used in the data center industry.
STEM Training to Build a Future
The first edition of the “Youth in Smart Territories” program brought together 29 participants from USAID and ACDI/VOCA’s Resilient Youth Program in Colombia. The participants, who are currently studying to become computer maintenance technicians, gained hands-on learning experience, covering six key modules that provided both theoretical insights and practical applications. Topics included a deep dive into mission-critical systems, exploring how these vital systems function and their importance in maintaining the continuity of operations within organizations. Additionally, participants gained valuable knowledge about the Internet of Things (IoT), learning how interconnected devices are transforming industries and improving efficiency.
The program also covered data analytics, emphasizing how businesses can leverage data to drive informed decision-making. Participants were introduced to the decision-making processes used in technology companies, where swift and effective choices are crucial for success in a competitive landscape. The training also addressed the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, offering insights into how new businesses are created and managed in the tech industry. Finally, a focus on motivational leadership provided attendees with the skills to inspire and lead teams in dynamic and evolving environments, fostering a culture of collaboration and productivity.
An Opportunity for Young Adults and Women in an Expanding Market
The report IT Talent: The STEM 5.0 Era Arrives in Latin America highlights that, although Colombia is positioned as one of the promising STEM markets in the region, challenges still exist in terms of access and gender equity as only 17% of STEM professionals in Colombia are women. To address this imbalance, Vertiv and the program collaborators aim to train young people and promote women’s increased participation in technology-oriented careers, breaking social barriers, and contributing to a more inclusive job market.
Aligned with Vertiv’s responsible business and innovation initiatives, the program seeks to bridge the gap for access to technical training in Colombia by offering opportunities to young adults with leadership potential in their communities. Vertiv plans to replicate this initiative in other Latin American countries, using this first phase in Bogotá as a model demonstrating the impact of STEM education on social and economic transformation.
With initiatives like these, Vertiv hopes to guide and become an active contributor to young Colombians’ professional development and a future in critical and high-growth industries. Beyond just growing the industry, the company counts on the region’s young adults as the key to developing a more competitive and technologically prepared Latin America.
In Colombia, the demand for STEM talent continues to grow, especially in fields like technology, telecommunications, and finance. According to the report, the country currently has more than 7,000 professionals in these fields, registered on the LinkedIn network, ranking as the fourth-largest market in the region. However, despite workforce growth, the skills gap and demand remain unmet. According to data from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, Colombia is projected to face a shortage of 200,000 ICT professionals by 2025, with 70% of employers already struggling to fill new positions— the highest rate in a decade. Programs like Vertiv’s "Youth in Smart Territories” are crucial in bridging this skills gap, equipping young people for strategic roles in high-demand industries.
“Technology is changing rapidly, and it is crucial for us as one community that we prepare the new generations not only to understand these changes but to become the driving force to lead the technological developments in their communities,” said Saida Ortíz, channel director at Vertiv LATAM. “With this program, we aimed to teach technical skills and inspire young people to see technology as a way to improve their communities and contribute to a more environmentally responsible and equitable future.”
About Vertiv
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics, and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv does business in more than 130 countries. For more information, and for the latest news and content from Vertiv, visit Vertiv.com.
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