Colombia: Mandatory Apprentice Quota (SENA- administrative Authority)

Effective April 1st of this year, Agreement 0010 of 2023 from SENA (National Apprenticeship Service Authority) was implemented. This agreement updates the list of occupations and trades used to determine the mandatory hiring quota for SENA apprentices in companies (employers).

The minimum quota for apprentices is a requirement set by law for both public and private companies. Based on the number of direct workers and positions that facilitate training, these companies must sponsor and hire apprentices from SENA, the public entity responsible for apprenticeship training.

This rule, as outlined in the agreement, includes new positions and related trades that were previously not considered for determining the number of apprentices. Among the newly added occupations are drivers, general services personnel, messengers, and web and multimedia developers. These positions were initially excluded due to enhanced risks or a lack of available training.

This update of trades and occupations raises questions about the feasibility of providing training for positions that require extensive experience, involve high risks, lack formal training programs, and demand higher qualifications.

Regardless, companies must review the mandatory hiring quota established by SENA on the dates specified by law to ensure compliance. This involves recalculating the quota to include the newly defined positions.

For additional information on any matter related to labour issues in Colombia, please contact Angélica María Carrión Barrero (Partner) of López & Asociados at angelica.carrion@lopezasociados.net or visit www.lopezasociados.net