Universidad Galileo, Cofiño and Swisscontact Launch Automotive Training Initiative

Universidad Galileo, through its Technical School (ESTEC), has joined forces with Swisscontact, through the Innova Project, and Cofiño to promote specialized dual training and strengthen the professional development of automotive sector talent in Guatemala.

The strategic alliance combines university education, practical experience and international cooperation through a model designed to connect academic knowledge with real-world work environments. As part of the initiative, Cofiño employees will have access to scholarships to pursue the University Galileo Technical Degree in Automotive Mechanics.

Combining academic education with practical experience

The initiative seeks to strengthen the technical and professional competencies of Cofiño employees while preparing them to respond to the changing demands of the automotive industry.

Through the Technical Degree in Automotive Mechanics, offered by ESTEC, participants will be able to expand their knowledge and develop skills while gaining experience in real work environments.

The approach goes beyond classroom learning by connecting academic training with the specific needs of the productive sector. This allows participants to develop technical, human and professional competencies in an environment where education and practical experience complement each other.

“This alliance promotes a process that combines theoretical learning with practical experience in real work environments, strengthening the technical and professional competencies of its participants. Globally, Swisscontact has achieved notable results in the implementation of the dual model, so we have no doubt that it will generate a positive impact and important lessons regarding its implementation in Guatemala,” said Carlos Morales, Country Director of Swisscontact.

Cofiño invests in the professional development of its employees

For Cofiño, investing in university-level training responds to the need for increasingly qualified professionals capable of addressing the challenges of an industry undergoing constant transformation.

The initiative is expected to help employees strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional growth opportunities and prepare to take on new challenges within the organization. At the same time, the company expects this training to contribute to the development of capabilities that can translate into innovation, productivity and greater competitiveness.

“Through this initiative, we seek to ensure that our employees strengthen their knowledge, expand their opportunities for growth and are prepared to take on new challenges within the organization. At the same time, the company expects this training to contribute to generating capabilities that translate into innovation, productivity and greater competitiveness,” said Leonel Riley, HR Director at Cofiño.

Strengthening dual training in Guatemala

A key contribution of the alliance is the strengthening of the dual training methodology in Guatemala, supported by Swisscontact’s international experience in this field.

The model brings together academic knowledge and the experience students gain directly within the business environment. In this process, students, instructors and company tutors all play an important role in ensuring that training remains connected to the actual needs of the labor market.

The initiative also aims to generate precedents and good practices that can support the implementation and strengthening of dual training in Guatemala, creating a potential reference for future collaborations between the academic and business sectors.

Carlos Arandi-Klee, Director of the Technical School (ESTEC) at Universidad Galileo, highlighted the importance of connecting academic excellence with practical experience.

“This dual training project gives our students the opportunity to train as automotive mechanics technicians, combining the academic excellence of Universidad Galileo with the practical experience of Grupo Cofiño. Thanks to the support of Swisscontact, the 50% scholarships will allow more young people to access quality training and greater professional opportunities,” he said.

A joint effort to develop Guatemalan talent

The alliance between Universidad Galileo, Cofiño and Swisscontact reflects the value of combining different capabilities to address the country's training and employability needs.

Cofiño contributes its experience within the productive environment, while the university provides specialized knowledge, academic training and educational support. Meanwhile, international cooperation strengthens the initiative through co-financing, methodologies, knowledge and good practices focused on talent development.

The initiative is based on a shared premise: connecting education, practical experience and strategic partnerships can strengthen people's capabilities and create greater opportunities in Guatemala.

The experience also highlights the potential of partnerships between companies, academic institutions and cooperation organizations to develop new skills, promote innovation and prepare employees for the challenges of an evolving economy.

Through this alliance, Universidad Galileo, Cofiño and Swisscontact reaffirm their commitment to dual training, employability and the professional development of Guatemalan talent, promoting an educational model connected to the realities of the productive sector and partnerships aimed at creating opportunities for Guatemala's future.