The Metropolitan Area Planning Office of San Salvador (Opamss) has signed a cooperation agreement with 23 universities in El Salvador to link academia with the country’s booming construction sector. The pact, supported by AUPRIDES and CIESCE, seeks to create internships, research projects, and training programs that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Luis Rodríguez, executive director of Opamss, explained, “This agreement connects universities with the national economic dynamic, particularly in construction, urban planning, and territorial development. The main beneficiary will be the student.”
Construction in El Salvador has expanded by more than 25 percent in recent years, generating around 167,000 jobs. Recognizing this momentum, university leaders emphasized the opportunity to align education with industry needs. Roberto López of UNICAES noted, “Our students will gain first-hand experience in a key area for the future of cities.”
The agreement also includes applied research, technical studies, and certification programs. According to Rodríguez, the initiative brings together nearly 90 percent of the country’s higher education system, making it a historic step toward integrating knowledge with economic growth.