In search of “preparing the workforce of the future”, the governor Jenniffer González announced on Thursday the signing of an agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the creation of a technological training program that will be free of cost.
Under the program, Puerto Rico residents will be able to take an 80 -hour course related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and cloud computing issues.
In total, the program expects to impact 50,000 people of all ages, although there will be emphasis on students and teachers of the Department of Education and the University of Puerto Rico, in addition to public servants. “We are announcing an unprecedented alliance,” González said at a press conference in La Fortaleza.
“This is a great opportunity. Countries like Argentina, Panama and Brazil have made previous collaborations with Amazon to make this type of training, but the difference is that we (Puerto Rico) are going to take it to another level”he added.
At a global level, the AWS program has hit 35 million people with the program.
Puerto Rico, said the governor, is the first jurisdiction of the United States to have such a course.
In principle, the government and the technology company signed a “declaration of intention”, but in the coming months a formal agreement will be signed between the parties in which the operation of the program will be detailed.
González said that the agreement will not lead to any investment from the government, although public funds will be allocated to carry out an advertising campaign once ready.
“What does Puerto Rico win with this? Well, we are going to prepare the workforce of the future, we will be able to train older people for what is the use of technology, public schools, teachers, teachers and public employees. We will make an effort so that everyone is part”the first executive pointed out.
1/10 | Look what the Amazon Delivery Center in Dorado will be. The First Amazon Logistics Center in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean will be located in the Maguyo neighborhood, in Dorado. – Supplied
“There is no excuse for someone who wants to educate, want to learn and acquire knowledge of new technologies,” he added.
The Alliance with Amazon, according to the governor, also goes hand in hand with the government’s strategy to attract new manufacturing or service companies that are located in other jurisdictions in the United States.
He argued that, although Puerto Rico has engineers and other trained professionals, all companies will use AI and have to be certified in cybersecurity processes, so they must acquire new tools.
“What better to recognize the experience, prestige and professionalism of what Amazon Web Services is, which has proven to be the most successful in the management of data and information”González said.
AWS has a presence in Puerto Rico since 2022, recalled Felipe do Carmo, commercial leader of policies of Central America and the Caribbean.
The Executive, who lives on the island, said that the company’s objective is “to transform Puerto Rico into a technological hub. That is our dream and for that we need education, trained people and understanding what is innovation.”
Given this scenario, he said that the agreement with the government represents “a world of opportunity for young people, the people who want to learn new technology and for adults who are at home and want to learn more.”
For his part, the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development (DDEC), Sebastián Negrón, said that the initiative between Amazon and the Government helps to “train talent at the height of what the industry needs.”
“We talk about manufacturing, but also of research and development, an area where Puerto Rico is very competitive with credit (contributory) of up to 50%. Having the talent ready to bring those services we need, will put us forward”considered.
“It has nothing to do” with Bad Bunny
This Thursday’s announcement occurs after Amazon and Bad Bunny sealed an agreement for “support for the development of educational programs, technological resources and a study plan for students and teachers.”
The governor said that the initiative that announced “has nothing to do” with the company’s efforts “with many other artists and many other companies.”
“But, everything that is science and technology is a programmatic commitment of this government,” he said. “Everything that is to train to give tools to the citizens of Puerto Rico means that we can improve the quality of life”.
The agreement between Amazon and Bad Bunny also includes the launch of a special store on Amazon.com, under the name of “local purchase”, where they will highlight products, music, books and Puerto Rican articles.
The agreement also considers the implementation of additional initiatives to support farmers and improve access to fresh products throughout the island.
They build their first deliveries center
In addition to carrying out education efforts in Puerto Rico, Amazon continues to expand its business footprint.
In August 2024, the company began to build its first Dorado Delivery Center at a cost of $ 21.5 million. The figure does not consider the installation equipment that is built in PR-659 and with easy access to the PR-22 highway.
Previously, it was reported that the Center for deliveries over 100,000 square feet would have about 100 employees and 200 drivers for deliveries.