Within the framework of the "Partners for a Day" program of the prestigious international NGO Junior Achievement (Chile), third- and fourth-year students from the San Mateo Technological Institute, in the commune of Pudahuel, visited ABB's facilities in Chile. During their tour, they had the opportunity to interact with the company's executives and learn first-hand about their daily activities and their experiences of working life.
"Partners for a day" allows students in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary education or baccalaureate and Vocational Training to experience the work environment closely and understand the day-to-day life in a company with professionals from the sector in which they wish to train. On this occasion, ABB was the host company, providing a valuable experience to the students.
Luis Ríos, Project Local Division Controller of ABB's Process Automation area in Chile, highlighted how enriching the activity was for the students, as it provided them with guidance before finishing their school education and taking the step towards the world of work and higher education.
"It was interesting to be able to contribute with the knowledge and experience we have at ABB in Chile, helping students to have higher professional expectations about their future. Leading companies like ours can do a lot to foster and enhance talents," added Luis Ríos.
During the activity, the students toured four key sectors of ABB's offices in Chile. In each of these areas, a company executive shared his experience of how he came to be a leader in his field.
Kamila Varas, Project Controller of ABB's Electrification Division in Chile, expressed her satisfaction at participating in the activity. "Connecting with students was inspiring, even for me. Listening to them and knowing that some of what we shared was very gratifying to them."
For his part, Alex Yau, Senior Project Engineer at ABB in Chile, offered a motivational message to the students, emphasizing that "nothing is impossible. I encourage students to convince themselves that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, as long as they put an effort to overcome obstacles."
The testimonial tour was closed by Claudia Alarcón, Country Operational Manager, Chile & Peru, for the Motion Business, who shared her evolution from arriving as a practicing engineer to ABB in Chile, becoming today a regional executive, who also leads the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
With a focus on future professionals
Claudio Pozo, Project Manager of the NGO Junior Achievement Chile, explained that the collaboration with ABB arose from the company's interest in approaching educational institutes, since one of the objectives of the activity is to promote the acquisition of competencies and skills required in the current labor market.
"Finding technical and emotional guidance is crucial for students. We are not only looking for them to acquire new theoretical knowledge, but also to connect with human value. Knowing that dreams matter and that they must move forward is part of the message that ABB executives conveyed," said Claudio Pozo.
At the end of the tour, a reflective dynamic was carried out with phrases about the future of work, developed by Fabrizio Moyá, Human Resources Country Lead, Chile & Peru. After this activity, Antonia Fuller, a fourth-year student at the San Mateo Bicentennial Technological Institute, commented that, after learning more about ABB in Chile, "I decided that I am going to follow the path of electronics, although before it was not in my priorities. With the talk of the executives, I was convinced."
Meanwhile, Karen Saravia, teacher, and counselor of the institute, highlighted the message of effort and study transmitted by the executives. "The professionals emphasized that it is up to you to cultivate day by day what you want for the future, and that was enriching. We are very grateful for the dedication of ABB executives to our students."
