By Ana Isabel Restrepo Guerra | Project leader
The Information Technology (IT) industry in Colombia is experiencing a severe shortage of qualified talent, with over 162,000 job vacancies projected by 2025. Simultaneously, economic exclusion among people over 50 years old is deepening: according to the ILO, the percentage of older adults without employment or pension income in Latin America reached 34.5% in 2021, the highest level since 2012.
This population faces a dual challenge: exclusion from the labor market and lack of training aligned with high-demand sectors like technology. Yet, they represent a group with strong learning potential, discipline, and experience that can be harnessed if given the right tools.
Proposed Solution
Makaia is launching an intensive training pilot in Data Analytics targeted at individuals aged 50 and over. The program’s objectives are to:
Identify and develop their technical and professional potential.
Facilitate their entry into the technology sector.
Help them meet the legal requirements to access a pension, through employment or self-employment.
Training components include:
Database design and modeling.
Programming languages: SQL and Python.
Creation of interactive dashboards (Power BI).
Practical applications of Artificial Intelligence.
The training is delivered 100% remotely, allowing participation from anywhere in the country.
Expected Results
Train 35 individuals aged 50+ in data analytics tools.
Develop job-ready skills aligned with the needs of the tech industry.
Launch job placement initiatives with partner companies.
Promote self-employment and formal work that supports financial security and pension eligibility.
Project Progress
Between February 18 and March 19, 2025, we held a nationwide open call. We received 1,836 applications, from which 35 participants were selected. Training begins on April 23 and will conclude in August, when job placement efforts will start.
Call to action:
We seek strategic partners and resources to help scale this pilot, document its impact, and replicate it in other regions. Through GlobalGiving’s support, we aim to:
Expand program coverage to more people and communities.
Improve participants’ access to technology and equipment.
Fund full scholarships for future training cohorts.
Investing in this program means addressing the structural unemployment of older adults while bridging the tech talent gap in Colombia.
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