This in-person course, which includes a university certification, is the result of a strategic collaboration between the School of Vocational and Technical Training under the Extension Department of the National University of Catamarca (UNCa), the company G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones, and the Government of Catamarca through the Ministry of Labor, Planning, and Human Resources.
By Panorama Minero
The program addresses a specific need in the regional mining sector: the shortage of qualified technical personnel for drilling operations.
It was developed in response to sectorial assessments led by the Ministry of Labor and endorsed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which identified a gap between the labor profiles required by the industry and the existing educational offerings.
With a two-month duration and a theoretical-practical approach, the course includes technical classes and hands-on field training in a real working environment at the facilities of G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones. This practical component is one of the cornerstones of the program, aimed at ensuring not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the development of field-ready skills.
The launch event was held at the MINI CAPE facilities and was attended by the Minister of Labor, Planning, and Human Resources, Verónica Soria; officials from her ministry; provincial authorities; the Director of the UNCA School of Trades, David Piza; members of the University Extension Department; representatives from the university; executives from the MARA company, including Institutional Relations Manager Leonardo Bacci; and partners of G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones—Cristian Gómez, Jorge Gómez, and Luis Chayle—who will also serve as technical instructors for the course.
David Piza, Director of the UNCA School of Trades, highlighted the importance of participant commitment: "This is just the first step in a training journey that can be truly transformative. We are pleased to see strong interest, including women participating in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, which clearly reflects real inclusion in progress."
For her part, Minister Soria emphasized: "This course is the result of a rigorous planning and public-private coordination process, with a clear vision: to close the gap between the productive sector and the educational system. We are committed to training that has a real impact on the employability of Catamarca’s people, especially those from remote rural areas."
The initiative received over 350 applications, and after a rigorous selection process, 50 students were chosen to receive free training and a certification with labor validity at both the provincial and national levels.
Additionally, those who complete the training program will be eligible to join candidate pools for companies such as MARA, G&C, and other regional and national firms, thereby opening up new employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Labor confirmed that graduates will receive dual certification: one issued by the National University of Catamarca (UNCA) and another from the National Registry of Labor Skills Certification, enabling them to apply for positions in various mining companies across the country.
"We believe it is important to carry out this presentation with the company that will lead and support the entire training process. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor team will also be closely accompanying the initiative," the ministry added.
During the event, the three partners of G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones—Cristian Gómez, Luis Chayle, and Jorge Gómez—spoke, emphasizing the value of these training opportunities and the company’s commitment to developing local labor skills.
Cristian Gómez, one of the founding partners, stated: "We’re very happy with the number of young people who have joined. We are aware of the needs out there and the importance of being trained and prepared for when the mining sector picks up again. This course is a stepping stone toward employment. We’re not only providing technical tools—we’re also aiming to foster attitude and responsibility, which are the most valued traits in this field."
Jorge Gómez, in turn, highlighted that the company was founded with a spirit of local development: "This is a tough field—it requires a lot of sacrifice—but it also offers many opportunities. I started just like you, without formal training, learning as I went. Today, you have this concrete opportunity to receive training and obtain certification that can help you grow."
Luis Chayle emphasized that several of the company’s current workers were once students in previous training programs, which demonstrates the effectiveness of these types of initiatives.
Juan Cardozo, an employee who was trained in a previous G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones course, also shared his testimony: "Thanks to this training, I was able to work on several projects, even in other provinces. It’s hard at first, but it’s dignified work. Today, I have a family, children, and thanks to this trade I enjoy, I can support them and have a stable life."
A key moment during the event was the presentation by Pablo, the company’s Safety Director, who explained that one of the main objectives of the training program is to raise awareness about the risks of working at heights and the proper use of personal protective equipment: "Our goal is for everyone to make it home safe and sound—that's what matters most," he said.
At the end of the event, Minister Soria and her cabinet team toured the G&C Andalgalá Perforaciones facilities, observing the equipment available for training. There, she committed to continue coordinating efforts to enhance the employability of young people from Andalgalá. The company, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to prioritize local labor for the various projects in which it participates, whether in Andalgalá or other parts of the country.
The Andalgalá experience is now emerging as a replicable model for other mining regions across the country—where collaboration between universities, companies, and the State can become a true driver of opportunity.
