Mexico is the third biggest economy in America. In recent years, it has stood out for its macroeconomic stability and the increase in its per capita income. However, the North American country faces important challenges such as income inequality and the need for better conditions for a workforce of almost 60 million people.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its study Quality employment for everyone in a changing work environment, places the average income of Mexican workers at USD 4.6/day, compared to an average of USD 16.6/day .
Other analysts identify the low productivity of SMEs as a limit to national growth and one of the causes of inequality between companies, industries and economic regions.
This scenario is not exclusive to Mexico, it is a worldwide trend. The participation of governments, communities and the private sector is essential to overcome these challenges.
Our energy creates job opportunities
Enel Green Power has been operating in Mexico for 11 years, during this time it has contributed to the creation of more than 20,000 direct jobs, considering those generated by its partners and allies (contractors, subcontractors and other suppliers). More than 90% were opportunities for people from communities close to the 19 projects that the company builds or operates in 13 states of the Mexican Republic.
These efforts are part of the Labor and Industrial Opportunities Program. An initiative in line with the Enel Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially with number 8: Decent work and economic growth.
“We are Open Power to face some of the biggest challenges in the world, combining sustainability with innovation. The creation of quality jobs is our contribution to a key dimension for the development of society and the economy of Mexico.”
– Paolo Romanacci, Country Manager at EGP Mexico
The Program has two main lines of action: one focused on generating quality jobs and another on developing SMEs.
“Our business model has allowed us to promote a shared economic development. The supply of skilled labor and local companies is growing, which can provide their services to both Enel Green Power and other companies in the energy sector.”
– Montserrat Palomar, Mexico’s Sustainability Manager
At the beginning of each project, a catalog of required profiles is created. These needs are presented to the local authorities, who provide their dissemination tools to make them known in the area. The regions also benefit, as they increase their competitive level, which allows them to promote their expertise in renewable energy and attract other investments.
“Working with members of the local community generates mutual benefits. We establish relationships before starting construction, in the hiring and training process. We form a very motivated group that knows that participating in these great projects strengthens their professional profile. ”
– Saverio Pidala’, Project Leader Mexico
For small and medium enterprises, long-term solutions are generated with the objective that the suppliers that arise can formalize their situation and are trained to offer their services to other customers.
An 11 years’ adventures
There have been more than 400 companies with which EGP has worked in this period (95% Mexican), which are not only present in the construction stage, but also in the operation:
“Before starting operations, we conducted a search for companies that can provide services for new needs. We guide, train and develop local suppliers, formalizing their activity in the economic sector. More than a work team, we form a family.”
– Luis Felipe Demeneghi, O&M
To achieve sustainable economic development, societies must create the necessary conditions for people to access quality jobs, stimulating the economy without damaging the environment. The Enel Green Power Mexico Labor and Industrial Opportunities Program is an example of how private initiative, from any sector, can create shared value with the communities and authorities of the areas in which it operates. The only growth model that assures us a sustainable future for all.
