Canterano: Grupo UNACEM initiative that is forging a new generation of leaders in the cement industry
- International programme seeks to respond to the need for specialised professionals in the cement industry through the training of talent.
Grupo UNACEM is consolidating its position as an industrial development centre, committed to training specialised talent in the cement business at an international level through its Canterano initiative. This programme, developed by the Vice-Presidencies of Talent and Industrial Operations and developed in conjunction with the UNACEM Institute, was created in 2022 with the vision of becoming a talent pool to meet the growing demand for professionals specialised in cement production. Recently, the first six young graduates completed their participation in the programme, marking a milestone in the effort to unite talent and strengthen the business group’s operations in the region.
‘The cement industry has a high degree of technical complexity, which has led us to develop talent internally. Given the shortage of specialised professionals in this sector, we implemented a comprehensive programme that focuses not only on technical skills, but also on leadership, communication and adaptation. The latest is key, as we need the ability to transfer talent between our business units in Peru, Ecuador, USA, Chile and Colombia,” explained Marlene Negreiros, Corporate Vice President of Talent and Culture of Grupo UNACEM.
The UNACEM Institute, based in Ecuador, acts as a technical guarantor for the training of young people in careers related to chemical, mechanical and industrial engineering, among others. This centre of excellence promotes the Canterano programme, which, in its first call for applications, received 1,238 applications. The programme has a robust curriculum that combines technical learning, field practices and soft skills training. Previous work experience and an advanced level of English are key requirements in its selection process, in addition to assessing that applicants demonstrate self-confidence and leadership, along with a strong technical profile.
This programme is already transforming the professional experience of young talent, such as Bryan Taco, who was transferred from Grupo UNACEM’s cement operation in Ecuador to the Condorcocha plant in Junín, at 4,000m above sea level. Bryan, 28, said: “The Canterano programme provided me with the opportunity to develop technical and leadership skills critical to my role as a control room operator. Thanks to the support of my mentors, I learned how to make decisions, analyse data and improve communication with my team in the field”
Bryan is part of the first graduating class of the programme, which had two years of intensive preparation, delving into technical and cutting-edge aspects of sustainable cement production.
“Transferring to the historic Condorcocha plant has been a professional challenge and a great thrill for me. This plant is not only much bigger, but also offers countless learning opportunities that will help my long-term career development. I am grateful to Grupo UNACEM for giving me this valuable opportunity to interact with new colleagues and be part of a highly qualified team,” Bryan said.
The Canterano programme has proven to be an effective solution to the shortage of skilled professionals in the cement industry, reflecting the Grupo UNACEM strong commitment to investing in talent development. The Group plans to continue to expand this initiative, and in the future expects to send talent from Peru to train at its centre of excellence in Ecuador, and from there to other business units in the Pacific region. In this way, they will be able to consolidate a new generation of leaders in the cement industry, unifying talent and strengthening their operations internationally.