A recent study by El Salvador’s National Institute of Training and Education (INCAF) has revealed that 42% of higher education students have received professional training or certifications in the last two years, marking a growing trend toward complementary learning.

The survey, published in March 2025 and based on the responses of over 600 students, found that four in ten chose to pursue additional training alongside their university or technical studies. According to the data, 68.4% of participants completed a course or training program, while 31.6% obtained formal certifications.

The study highlights that most training programs focused on marketing, advanced data analytics, web development, design, and finance. Other areas of interest included English and foreign languages, soft skills, accounting and auditing, international trade, and cybersecurity.

Students who pursued certifications focused on employability skills, languages, digital marketing, Excel, digital accounting, cybersecurity, agile methodology, IT networks, community management, and project evaluation.

“On average, final-year students in universities or technical careers report having completed 1.7 training programs, courses, or certifications in the past two years,” the report states.

Women led participation in non-formal education, representing 56.2% of those trained, while men made up 43.8%.

According to INCAF, the main motivations behind these efforts were professional development and knowledge updates. Students also viewed the training as a way to enhance their employability.

“Students consider these learning experiences part of their personal growth, improving performance across different areas and contributing to adaptability and flexibility in the workplace,” the report adds.

Online platforms, universities, technical institutes, and professional training centers were the most common providers of these programs. The findings also indicate that the knowledge gained is already being applied: 37% of trained students used it in academic settings, 29.2% personally, 25.8% professionally, 7.8% in entrepreneurship, and 0.2% in formal employment.

The study underscores a cultural shift among young Salvadorans, who are increasingly taking initiative to expand their skills and stay competitive in a fast-changing labor market.