More than 100 technical students from Guanacaste have been trained in artificial intelligence and robotics

In an effort to prepare the youth of Guanacaste for the challenges of the labor market, more than 100 students from technical universities in the region participated in an intensive training program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Held at the Santa Cruz Convention Center, the initiative focused on providing practical skills and advanced knowledge in emerging technologies to 111 tenth and eleventh grade students.

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During the day, students participated in interactive workshops divided into six stations, which covered topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and included discussions about the current influence of robots and the dangers of social networks.

A notable aspect of this year was the high participation of women. From the total number of participants, 50.5% were women and 49.5% male, reflecting gender balance and significant inclusion in traditionally male-dominated areas.

These data are significant in context STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) where women were historically less represented.

The event it is promoting AFZ In collaboration with AMCO, Coopeguanacaste, Any2cloud and Creative University, its main objective was to reduce social inequalities and promote formal employment outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).

To this end, the program offered educational incentives to participants in addition to technical training. A 50% scholarship was awarded for STEM-related careers and three free courses to facilitate access to higher education in these fields.

This opportunity is part of Creative University’s commitment to the program Talent comes firstled by AFZ, which tries to develop young talents and connect them with the business sector.

“We are very pleased with this second edition of Heroes of Technology. Through these approaches, we aim to provide equal employment opportunities in areas outside the Greater Metropolitan Area,” said Laura Arce Chaves, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager at AFZ.

This is gaining importance as training in AI and robotics becomes increasingly important in a world where technology is rapidly advancing and redefining job needs.

Additionally, while there has been an increase in the proportion of women graduating from science and technology, there are still significant barriers to the labor market, such as job inclusion and fair evaluation, according to the State of the Nation Report program.

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That’s why programs like “Tech heroes of the future” are essential to addressing these inequalities and promoting greater participation of women in technology fields.

In this sense, Karen Arias, head of social and environmental responsibility of Coopeguanacaste, emphasized the importance of the event for young people.

“Students had the opportunity to learn in an interactive environment and discover more about the professions that interest them. These types of activities are critical to guiding their academic and professional futures,” Arias said.

The initiative of AFZ and its partners not only provides technical tools, but also promotes equality and inclusion in education and employment, laying the foundations for a more promising future in the region.