Community

Creating Local Employment Opportunities Beyond Mining at Quebrada Blanca Phase 2

March 11, 2020

In 2018, Teck started the Elige Crecer (Choose to Grow) program in partnership with Fundación Chile. Elige Crecer is a training program for local workers in the Tarapacá region of Chile near our Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 project (QB2) focused on skill development and long-term employability in mining and related industries. 

To date, more than 650 people have completed a range of 18 courses in construction, food services and other trades in Iquique and nearby communities.

Why We Developed Elige Crecer

We support local and Indigenous employment and procurement as part of our commitment to long-term, sustainable economic development in the communities near QB2. 

The construction of QB2 will create approximately 11,000 jobs at its peak and, during operations, will be a driver of the regional economy, employing around 2,000 workers during the 28 years of the life of the mine.

As part of planning for local hiring and procurement with government and other stakeholders, we determined that there was a gap between the skill levels of local people and job requirements. To help address this gap, we worked with Fundación Chile to develop and implement Elige Crecer. 

Program Objectives and Benefits

The Elige Crecer program covers four main objectives: provide free training to local people, create a database of program graduates for employers, connect job seekers with industry, and support program graduates in finding jobs.

"Relevant industry knowledge and training are essential for local people to access career options. More training is always helpful, especially when it comes to choosing a new job or career," said Rodrigo Carrasco, certified in the course Assembly techniques for metallic structures by SK Capacitación.

"The highlight of this program is the collaboration between Teck and other companies from different sectors,” said Herman Urrejola, Social Responsibility and Communities Manager, Teck Chile. “Also, other collaborators from local industry such as Consorcio Promet-Tecno Fast, SK Comsa and Todo Acero have contributed training by SENCE (National Service of Training and Employees).”

We will continue to implement Elige Crecer in 2020 with an anticipated at least 500 people registered for training. 

Learn more about how we generate significant value in the areas where we operate in the Economic Contributions section on our website.
 

 

Tags

First Published on March 11, 2020