Workforce Development

The Workforce Development Department was established in 2021 in response to systemic labor force discrimination and classism that has historically limited the participation of community members in the formal employment sphere. Throughout our programs, we provide vocational skills training and work readiness support in order to bolster their professional development and employability. The department actively connects participants with wider training resources, internships, job opportunities and supplementary psycho-educational services.

“Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not.”

— Leila Janah

Course Offerings

The following training offerings have been tailored to reflect current labor market demands, characterized by rapid learning curves and delivered in partnership with some of Guatemala’s most renowned private and public sector organizations. Participants within the Workforce Development programs have the opportunity to train, complete internships and specialize in the subsequent domains:

To elevate independent business opportunities for community artisans and entrepreneurs, Pro Mujer and Creamos have united efforts to offer participants this 6-module training program. The course focuses on effective business management while supporting community entrepreneurs as they develop business acumen to propel their small enterprises.
Within this track, participants can train as a professional Barista with in-house experts at Estudio Café. In the course, participants learn about the process of high-quality coffee preparation, from seed to cup, consolidating their knowledge with field internships in local cafés and coffee bars. Course graduates receive a technical certification as a Barista.
With our partners at Junkabal, Creamos developed a career track for participants to train in commercial kitchens as chefs, learning about the restaurant and catering industries. Following course instruction, candidates will put their knowledge to the test in month-long internships within the sector. Upon successful completion of the course, participants in this specialization receive accreditation in Commercial Gastronomy award by Junkabal.
Creamos offers participants within this track the opportunity to specialize as a computer programmer or digital markeeter. In collaboration with Core Code and Kodigo, the computer programming specialization hones in on sector-specific skills such as code development for website management and troubleshooting complex systems throughout the 4-month training. The Digital Marketing specialization, delivered in partnership with Level Up, equips participants with the knowledge to effectively leverage digital platforms to promote products and services. Course graduates will be prepared to embark on careers across various industries, ranging from the retail industry to the non-profit sector.
This program connects men from our target community to employment opportunities within the formal construction sector. Accompanied by Guatemala’s most renowned and socially conscious construction company, Grupo ISTA, employees in this program train on-site and receive professional guidance from Grupo ITSA. Participants can further opt to specialize in a specific construction domain with INTECAP. All Grupo ITSA employees have access to social security benefits and health insurance protection to which all Guatemalan workers are entitled, but are not always granted.