Guayacán neighbors learn masonry and plumbing trades

During the last few months, a total of 16 residents of the town of Guayacán deepened their knowledge of ceramic tile and floating floor installation techniques, masonry, as well as the application of paint on different surfaces, in compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards, all thanks to an initiative between Compañía Minera del Pacífico (CMP) and INACAP.

The course included a program of more than 160 hours of training, which meant that the participants contributed to the support of their families. This was pointed out by student Ernestina Marinay, who said that "we started from nothing, the teacher was very motivating, the classmates were the same and (this training) will help us to build our own houses and, besides, to continue with the dream of creating our own company".

The course provided the necessary tools to repair walls, stucco, structural elements such as beams and pillars, and plumbing. "We are proud of those who have participated in this job training, many of them are housewives who have made a great effort to acquire new tools and thus achieve better economic opportunities and independence, which is part of our commitment to contribute to the shared growth of the territories," said Yasmina Cortés, CMP's Territorial Management Superintendent.

Víctor Nieto, INACAP's Director of Continuing Education for the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, emphasized that "this is a great strategic alliance with CMP, which allows us to reach the communities, train them, provide them with a trade and promote the social mobility that people need so much: to have a trade, to be able to start a small business, provide services or be hired by a company at a later date".

This is how the group received teaching support from a teacher with a vast experience in the development of construction skills, which was valued by Patricia Salfate, another of the students, who, in addition to expressing her gratitude, said that this training will provide her with a great opportunity to meet the needs of Guayacán and the Coquimbo commune. "It will help me in the future, because obviously we want to create an association where we can provide our services to the entire community," she said.