Jóvenes Innovadores

Young people in Arequipa, particularly women, Indigenous youth, and those from low-income backgrounds, face significant barriers to securing stable, well-paid jobs. Many are employed in informal, low-wage, or temporary positions with limited growth opportunities. As youth unemployment rises, it is crucial to strengthen connections between education and the job market. 

Despite their potential, many young people are excluded from high-growth sectors like IT and clean energy due to a disconnect between educational programs and industry demands.  

Currently, Arequipa's education system produces graduates who fill less than 6% of available entry-level IT positions annually. Moreover, the region's 11 clean energy projects struggle to find locally trained talent, forcing employers to invest in costly upskilling programs. This skills mismatch is compounded by limited communication between educational providers, the private sector, and young people, leading to career choices influenced by outdated stereotypes and biases. For instance, only 28% of students in Arequipa's IT-related technical programs are women, a disparity that continues in the workforce. 

A Collaborative Solution 

To address these systemic challenges, IYF in partnership with the Anglo American Foundation, has launched the Jóvenes Innovadores Program. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and responsive education-to-employment ecosystem in Arequipa by: 

• Bridging the skills gap between technical education and the private sector to ensure young people gain the competencies needed for high-demand jobs in IT and clean energy.
• Establishing sustainable collaboration between education institutions and employers, ensuring long-term industry alignment.
• Challenging biases in career pathways, expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in these industries. 

Additionally, local entrepreneurs have highlighted the need to strengthen socioemotional skills among young people. To address this, Jóvenes Innovadores integrates the Passport to Success® (PTS) methodology, an experiential learning approach that equips teachers and students with essential competencies to navigate workplace challenges and foster innovative problem-solving. 

Expected Impact 

• More young people will access quality jobs and advance in their careers.
• Graduates will be better prepared to tackle environmental and economic challenges.
• Arequipa’s IT and clean energy sectors will gain a job-ready, skilled workforce.
• 20,000 individuals will engage in a communication campaign promoting inclusive career pathways in these industries. 

Through Jóvenes Innovadores, we are strengthening pathways between education and employment, ensuring that all young people—regardless of gender or background—can build meaningful careers in high-growth sectors. With the right skills, innovation, and preparation, they will play a vital role in driving Arequipa’s sustainable development.