Intel and Jalisco’s Government Announce Tech Training Program

Intel and the Mexican Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (SICyT), announced a strategic alliance focused on the development of specialized talent for the country’s emerging semiconductor industry. This initiative, bolstered by the support of the State Council of Science and Technology of Jalisco, is meant to address the pressing need for skilled professionals in the semiconductor sector within the country.

Intel's one year program is set to identify, train and certify 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students with a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to compete in the semiconductor technology. Trained at the Guadalajara Design Center (GDC), beneficiaries will be granted exclusive access to cutting-edge equipment presently employed in the technological design and validation of semiconductors.

This collaborative bilateral policy venture is strategically poised to fortify the thriving technological landscape in the state, advancing the state’s ambitions of becoming a technology innovation hub in Latin America. To realize this vision, the state considers it imperative to support strategic talent initiatives that foster the development, conversion, attraction and retention to bolster innovation and high-tech industries. 

"Fostering collaboration between public and private institutions is central to Intel's mission of driving technological innovation for the betterment of society," says Jesús Palomino, General Director, GDC.  He added that Intel's investments in educating Mexico's youth might have a significant role in catalyzing Mexico as a global leader in the semiconductor industry, particularly in light of its recent nearshoring potential. 

This multifaceted training program will encompass areas such as semiconductor product development, technical proficiencies and emerging technologies. Moreover, it will facilitate ongoing interaction with the semiconductor industry through job fairs, ensuring a seamless transition into the professional domain for students participating in Intel's training program.

This initiative mirrors similar efforts in cities like Guadalajara, Torreon, Monterrey and Mexico City who have emerged as tech talent hotspots—a critical factor attracting multinational investments. Such initiatives reaffirm the profound impact that collaborative efforts between public and private entities can have in accelerating the development of cutting-edge programs and research initiatives. This benefits both students and the Mexican technology industry as a whole.

“It is through such collaborations with globally renowned companies like Intel that we can confidently chart a prosperous future for the talented youth involved, whose prowess will be instrumental in attracting [additional] investments," says Alfonso Pompa Padilla, Secretary of Innovation, SICyT. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between academia, government and industry, the initiative will benefit aspiring students and bolster Mexico's reputation as a destination for technological innovation.