Cisco Mexico Launches Digital Skills Program for Nearshoring

Cisco Systems Mexico, in collaboration with the Ministries of Economy (SE), Education (SEP) and Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), has launched the program “Relocation in Mexico: Opportunities for Talent Development in Digital Skills”, focusing on developing digital skills to address the phenomenon of nearshoring. 

The Cisco Systems Mexico program will provide the necessary infrastructure and educational resources to train the workforce in key technological competencies, such as connectivity, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, data analysis, and technical English skills. This will be achieved through a free online educational program focused on training high school and higher education students, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and job seekers in emerging technology skills.

"Mexico has established itself as a hotbed of talent, resulting in global companies establishing their supply chains in the country," said Raquel Buenrostro, head, SE.

Buenrostro reiterated the importance of this initiative, noting that between January 2023 and June 2024, 521 investment announcements have been registered around nearshoring, with the potential to generate approximately 297,000 new direct jobs in the next two to three years. 

Alejandro Encinas, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, SE, underscored the importance of this public-private collaboration, noting that all actors involved benefit tangibly. 

"Companies can accurately train the talent needed to fill their vacancies; the government complements public education and updates the workforce; and individuals acquire skills that improve their employability and access to better-paying jobs," said Encinas.

Luciano Concheiro Bórquez, Undersecretary of Higher Education, supported this initiative, defining it as "crucial to improve the competitiveness of Mexican talent in a globalized market." Concheiro Bórquez emphasized that these competencies not only strengthen the professional profile of the participants but also position Mexico as a preferred destination for companies seeking to relocate their operations.

Mauricio Moreno, Director of Business Development, Cisco Systems Mexico, pointed out that the relocation of production chains represents a significant opportunity for the Mexican economy. However, he warned that fully capitalizing on this opportunity requires a deep understanding of the role of technology as a catalyst for competitiveness. 

"The free, online curriculum offering provided by the program is a key step in ensuring that Mexico keeps pace with the rest of the world in terms of technology adoption," Moreno emphasized.

Mexico has become an attractive destination within this phenomenon, with a window of opportunity that could last three to five years, impacting significantly the economy, commerce, and business sectors, according to Deloitte.