El Salvador has taken another step toward empowering its younger generations with the launch of the Empresa Integradora initiative, a joint effort between the government of President Nayib Bukele, the Dirección de Integración, and the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI). The program is designed to open doors for thousands of students, providing them with real-world business experiences and opportunities for professional growth.
We are very pleased to sign an agreement with such a prestigious institution as ASI. This marks the beginning of a new stage, one that is fundamental for social, cultural, intellectual, economic, labor, and educational development, said Alejandro Gutman, president ad honorem of the Dirección de Integración. He emphasized that through this agreement, young people will be able to participate in training programs within companies as part of their required formative process to access higher education.
Jorge Arriaza, president of ASI, highlighted the private sector’s commitment, stating, We are very enthusiastic about this agreement because the private sector is committed to the development of young people. We want to train them so they can understand the business world, how a company operates, and encourage them to become entrepreneurs or work within it.
The initiative will unfold in two phases. The first consists of motivational talks and conferences led by business leaders, while the second will provide hands-on training within industrial companies, totaling 12 hours of practical learning. The immediate goal is to benefit 2,000 young Salvadorans, with around 200 companies expected to open their doors.
Today, each high school student can access higher education. This is true development and marks a milestone in the country and all of Latin America, Gutman affirmed, underscoring that the private sector is now an essential partner in El Salvador’s social transformation.
Through Empresa Integradora, the government and business sector reaffirm that the future of El Salvador rests in the hands of its youth, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to drive the nation forward.