The initiative Novandino Litio It seeks to enhance employability and strengthen regional talent through technical training for the industry of the future.
Technical training for the mining of the future
Novandino Litio The country's first Lithium Training Center (CF Li) was officially inaugurated, an initiative aimed at boosting employability and developing specialized human capital for the industry. The facility includes classrooms, laboratories, and training programs for students, workers, and the regional community.
The project, funded through the Sence Tax Incentive program, strengthens technical training with a focus on operations and new skills for the mining industry of the future. Since 2022, the center has already trained more than 1.700 people. In technical training alone, 520 beneficiaries have participated, and 35% of them have been hired by [company name missing]. Novandino LitioMeanwhile, more than 600 students from technical high schools in the region have participated in courses that link their specialization with the Lithium industry.
Technical training to strengthen employability
Regarding skills training, more than 600 men and women have been trained, receiving tools that allow them to expand their job opportunities, becoming technically prepared to participate in the recruitment processes of the mining industry and its collaborating companies.
The Community Relations and Public Affairs Manager of Novandino LitioBarbara Blümel explained that this initiative was born to increase female participation in the company. “We started creating programs that provided tools to women who perhaps didn't know they had the necessary skills. Thanks to that, we managed to increase female participation to 23%.”
The executive added that the center seeks to incorporate people from all over the region, including students from technical high schools in Antofagasta, Calama and San Pedro de Atacama, providing them with technology and knowledge aligned with the challenges of the industry.
Training with a regional focus
For his part, the general manager of Novandino LitioCarlos Díaz emphasized that this space will allow future workers to be prepared before joining the workforce. “Here we can teach them certain trades and skills so they can apply with acquired knowledge,” he stated.
The inauguration also included the participation of authorities and representatives involved in the training and development of regional talent. Hernán Cáceres, executive director of the National Institute of Lithium and Salt Flats, highlighted the center's contribution to technical development in the region. “Technological capabilities are not just infrastructure and equipment; they also include trained and certified personnel who can apply these skills on a daily basis. Initiatives like this center allow us to move toward more sustainable mining, both economically and socially,” he stated.
Similarly, Karen Pérez, regional director of the National Training and Employment Service, highlighted the program's impact on local employability. “This is real and effective training to bring more and better talent into the lithium industry. We have supported it from the beginning…” Novandino Litio “Because of the impact it has on people and the region,” he said.
“We are very happy to finalize this alliance with Novandino. For us, being part of this new center is a very powerful step, because it allows us to continue contributing to the training of people in skills that are key today for the development of industry and local employment of the future,” highlighted Daniel Vergara, director of Artikula HC, the consulting firm that manages the OTEC Lithium Training Center.
Testimonials and opportunities for new generations
The ceremony also included testimonials from female workers who participated in the training programs promoted by the company. Bárbara Zapata, a boiler operator, praised the new opportunities now opening up for the community and future generations, noting that these types of programs allow people to learn essential skills for lithium production and continue creating opportunities for more people in the industry.
Meanwhile, Nicols Pizarro, operations assistant at the Atacama Salt Flat, appreciated that the initiative provides concrete opportunities for those who haven't always had access to education or technical specialization. “This opens up a fantastic field. I also appreciate the recognition the company has given to my work and career,” she concluded.
