Panama’s roadmap for National Qualifications Framework

The Republic of Panama finalized the documents containing the proposal for the National Qualifications Framework and the steps for implementation. This goal was achieved thanks to the technical and financial assistance of CAF—development bank of Latin America—, ILO/CINTERFOR, under the leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Professional Development and Panama’s High Commission on Employment.

The documents are structured in five sections:

• Analysis of Panama’s environment with background, for the preparation of the National Qualifications Framework.
• Basic structure of Panama’s National Qualifications Framework.
• Roadmap and governance suggestion for the establishment of the National Qualifications Framework.
• Population of the National Qualifications Framework divided into four productive sectors
• Final report that summarizes the process, steps and phases.

Sectors such as construction, tourism, finance and logistics were included in this version of the document based on their role as key poles in the nation’s development. Representatives from the various sectors involved in preparing the document gathered in a preliminary meeting on June 5, to learn first-hand the content of the text and to discuss further steps.

Bibiam Díaz, education specialist at CAF, explained CAF’s role and commitment to Panama in strengthening its technical education and vocational training and the importance of having a roadmap to implement a qualifications framework. This is part of the actions carried forward by CAF in the area of education, which include funding the construction of the newly opened Specialized Higher Technical Institute – ITSE, supporting the Comprehensive Transformation Plan of INADEH, the Panama Bilingual Program, the construction of school infrastructure in various areas of the country, among others.

Liliana González, an ILO/CINTERFOR consultant, presented a summary on the status of Panama’s vocational training, strengths and challenges, while Fernando Vargas, an ILO/CINTERFOR specialist, shared the final project report.

The formal delivery of the document to Panamanian authorities took place on June 6 at the Office of the President of the Republic of Panama in the framework of the Presentation of Progress and Results of the High Commission on Employment, where Miguel Angel Esbrí, Secretary of Competitiveness and Logistics commented: “This document will have an impact on our nation and will allow us to become more competitive, develop the skills necessary to take on the challenges of the future, placing Panama as one of the few nations in the region with such a vital tool.” He also thanked CAF for the support provided to Panama in various educational and vocational training projects.

In addition, the Minister of Labor and Professional Development, Zulphy Santamaría, presented the progress made by her administration in terms of labor supply and demand, emphasized the vital role of technical trades for the nation’s workforce and the importance of the Qualifications Framework.

Furthermore, Carmen Moreno, Director of the ILO Office for Central America, Haiti, Panama and the Dominican Republic, highlighted the work of Panama’s High Commission on Employment in fostering a more participatory process with the private sector, which generates a job supply more consistently with the labor demand, and the use of dual training modalities in Panama.

Mauricio Salazar, CAF representative in Panama, noted: “This initiative is part of CAF’s support to Panama in expanding and strengthening technical education and vocational training, so young people and workers can realize their full potential and have the skills that jobs demand. Having a National Qualifications Framework will allow Panama to better articulate current and future labor supply, and give clear signals to employers and families about the career paths that Panamanians can pursue in each strategic sector in the national economy.”

The event was also attended by Samuel Rivera, Director General of the National Institute of Vocational Training and Training for Human Development – INADEH, María Lourdes Peralta, Director of the Specialized Higher Technical Institute – ITSE, and representatives of various public and private entities who collaborated in the Roadmap for Panama’s National Qualifications Framework.