On this occasion, ten young participants—selected based on their academic performance and level of specialization—took part in an intensive and personalized training program at Vocational Training Center No. 2 in Santa María, in preparation for the certification process of the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI). The program included modules aimed at strengthening the technical skills of specialized welders, aligned with national certification requirements.
This marks the second experience carried out with students from Vocational Training Center No. 2 in Santa María, as during 2025 MARA financed the certification of six local welders under the existing agreement between both institutions for the implementation of joint training and upskilling initiatives.
Nicanor Elizondo, MARA’s Community Relations Manager, stated that these actions “support the training of young people from Catamarca and facilitate their access to formal certification and licensing processes, expanding their employment opportunities and contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in the region.”
Meanwhile, Joel Lagoria, director of the educational institution, noted that “thanks to MARA’s financial support, participants were able to obtain the industrial welder certification with registration from the Argentine Steel Institute—a demanding accreditation that validates technical knowledge and positions them as skilled labor, increasingly sought after by companies in the region.”
During the certificate award ceremony, Governor Raúl Jalil also highlighted the importance of implementing initiatives that link education with employment and the province’s productive profile.
In this way, MARA reaffirms its commitment to improving employability in its neighboring communities, promoting youth development, professional growth, and access to certifications that enhance local development.
