Over 147,000 face-to-face and online training sessions for teachers and specialist teachers were carried out in the eleventh version of the Great Sodimac Training Fair, 15% of which benefited women.
This meeting, the largest construction event in the world in the country, was attended by over 14,000 people in person at Estación Mapocho between March 16 and 18, and more than 96,000 connected online throughout the country and from different places. from Latin America.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jeannette Jara, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare; Antonia Orellana, Minister for Women and Gender Equity; Ximena Rivillo, executive secretary of ChileValora; Juan Armando Vicuña, president of the Chilean Chamber of Construction; María Teresa Vial, president of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce; Juan Pablo del Río, president of Sodimac; and Eduardo Mizón, general manager of Sodimac Chile, together with suppliers and representatives of technical training centers.
In her presentation, the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Jeannette Jara, stressed that “this activity is a benchmark for the world of work.” She added that having “a certification, with a formal testimony that accounts for my professional career as a teacher or as a teacher, undoubtedly contributes to the professional career; there is an effort, there is recognition of the trajectory”.
For her part, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Antonia Orellana, highlighted the need to continue advancing in the economic autonomy of women. In this regard, he pointed out: “We believe that this space is one that has opened up like so many others and we want to thank you for that effort, also thank those who have made it easier for those who are newly integrating this industry and open doors and, above all, everything, to those who entered first because sometimes it is more difficult for them. But they are the ones who paved the way, which is increasing little by little in each trade, in each branch, in each industry, which will allow us a more developed country with equal opportunities for everyone.
On the occasion, the general manager of Sodimac Chile, Eduardo Mizón, expressed: “We are very happy with the great call for the Great Fair, which has allowed us to contribute to the professional development of thousands of teachers. Our concern for them is permanent throughout the year through the Circle of Specialists (CES). Since we created it 18 years ago, we have offered more than eight thousand activities related to training, such as visits to factories, workshops, regional fairs and scholarships with university entities, among other benefits”.
Meanwhile, Dayan Silva, Super Teacher of the Circle of Specialists commented: “When I started in this I needed more knowledge, perfect myself, have new tools, acquire skills as a teacher, as an SME. Sodimac with the Circle of Specialists has been very important with the permanent help and with the Great Training Fair which is also free. It continues to be the only instance of support and we must take advantage of it, especially for those of us who do not have income to train ourselves”.
The attendees participated in 160 training sessions, 50 of them practical, more than 100 theoretical contents, 70 vendor stands and various networking spaces. Along with these trainings and workshops for the improvement of teachers, free certifications were carried out by Inacap in plumbing and electricity.
In the Plenary Hall, talks and conversation panels were held on relevant topics and not necessarily related to construction, such as mental health, inclusion, sustainability and digital tools, with personalities such as Claudio Palma, prominent football announcer and rapporteur; the renowned psychologist Mónica López; Joaquín Cuevas, CEO of Revista and Alejandra Mustakis, businesswoman and former president of the Association of Entrepreneurs of Chile (Asech) and Melyna Montes, renowned leader of Bajos De Mena.
What is the Great Training Fair?
The Great Training Fair, organized by Sodimac since 2012, seeks for specialists from both the country and Latin America to be able to train in different areas, acquiring knowledge that develops all their skills and abilities. It is part of Sodimac’s commitment to provide more and better opportunities to teachers, carrying out courses, scholarships, factory visits, e-learning and various training sessions together with prestigious institutions, through the Sodimac Circle of Specialists. The date of the Great Training Fair coincides with the celebration of National Teacher’s Day, which is celebrated on March 19, San José Obrero Day.
In its 11 years, this event has become a benchmark in the field by bringing together a large number of specialists and suppliers in three complete and free days, creating a unique instance to learn about the latest innovations. It is the event of professionalization and development in the area of construction with the greatest convocation in Chile.
