Chile is stepping up efforts to strengthen its digital workforce, announcing nearly 2,000 new scholarships under the “Reinvent Yourself” program.

The initiative targets young graduates and focuses on high-demand skills such as programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and application development.

The move reflects growing concern over a widening talent gap that has slowed the expansion of Chile’s technology sector in recent years. Organizers say companies are struggling to find skilled professionals, creating a bottleneck in an industry with strong export potential.

Jeannette Escudero, executive director of Digital Talent for Chile, said that companies are currently unable to find the talent they need, and added that initiatives like Digital Talent play a strategic role by connecting relevant training with real job opportunities.

The program is being implemented by Digital Talent for Chile in partnership with the National Training and Employment Service (SENCE). Officials emphasize that building digital capabilities is now essential for both economic growth and improving living standards.

Rodrigo Valdivia, Director of SENCE, said that developing digital skills is no longer optional but a prerequisite for the country’s growth and for improving people’s quality of life. He further noted that SENCE is leading efforts in training in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, while bringing together the public and private sectors to address emerging labor market challenges.

The “Reinvent Yourself” program follows a bootcamp model, offering intensive training courses lasting three to six months, with a strong focus on practical, job-ready skills.

Since its launch in 2019, Digital Talent for Chile has become a key national reskilling platform, aligning public and private sector efforts to address the digital skills shortage. The initiative has awarded more than 40,000 scholarships so far, with organizers claiming that 79% of graduates secure employment within six months of completing their training.

Industry data cited by organizers indicate that over 70% of technology companies in Chile face difficulties in hiring qualified talent, even as the country’s global services sector generates more than $3 billion in exports annually.

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