In today’s rapidly-evolving labour market, it is crucial that job seekers and employees continue to learn new skills and abilities in order to remain relevant and to meet the needs of productive sectors.

In Panama, the National Institute of Vocational Training and Capacity Building for Human Development (INADEH) is the governing body for vocational training, job training and business management training, which promotes a culture of training for life and work. But with just 30 per cent of INADEH’s academic offerings aligning with the country’s actual labour market needs, together with a network of training centres that is struggling to meet demand due to aging infrastructure and outdated equipment, support is needed to modernize the institute's operations and facilities.

In partnership with the government of Panama and with funding from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), UNOPS is working with INADEH to ensure it can provide professionals nationwide with the skills and qualifications needed by employers – now and in the future.

With $55 million in funding from CAF, the initiative includes improving the quality and relevance of INADEH’s training programmes; providing personnel, including teachers and administrative staff, with ongoing training; and upgrading the infrastructure and equipment of its training centres.