17 025 certification
Assistance to CMRB – SENA in obtaining ISO 17025 certification
Strengthen the institutes to serve the productive sector in Mining Supervision
The main objective of Project B03 was the revision/updating of the Mining Work Supervision Technology Program delivered by the Centro Minero Regional Boyacá (CMRB), under the Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA).
This made it possible to bring the program’s curriculum in line with international standards and to involve employers in the productive sectors to improve competency standards and learning outcomes. This ensures that students are prepared for fieldwork, by incorporating new technologies.
In addition to this core outcome, in order to support its achievement, capacity building was required at CMRB. This meant enhancing instructors’ technical and teaching skills, mainly in the area of new technologies, with the acquisition of state-of-the-art mining management software. This has greatly contributed to modernizing the program and bringing it up to the level of neighbouring companies, making it easier for young people to enter the labour market. The program’s technological component is also more attractive to young women and has led to an increase in the number of female students in the classes. Finally, CMRB administrators took various management training courses to support the change in institutional culture.
DISCOVER PROJECT B03
SERVICES PROVIDED
A diagnosis was carried out, and findings included the obsolescence of certain equipment, improper use of laboratory equipment, a lack of a management system in the laboratories, and the absence of technological services for the region. In addition, a teacher training trip to Canada was organized, to share experiences and learn about colleges’ best practices.
Training and technical assistance were provided on the design of training programs following the competency-based approach (CBA), with a special focus on women. This includes the following workshops: 1) teaching techniques following the CBA; 2) competency evaluation; and 3) a training workshop in the mining sector. Funding and technical assistance were also provided for the identification and acquisition of energy-efficient teaching materials and equipment, as well as for the technical training of instructors (both men and women) on their proper use.
It's something to be proud of!
259 students
enrolled in the program that was revised by the project
UNEXPECTED RESULTS
An increase of women in mining programs. For example, in the Health and Safety Program, out of 30 students, 25 are women.
Testimonials
Hear what they say about it
What is the impact of the new software?
“It has been very important for me to really work with software. At the moment it is arguably one of the most important tools for entering the labour market, the best labour market. When you have these software skills, believe me, your professional world, your work life, and your results as a professional improve a lot.”
OUTCOMES
Update to the Mining Process Supervision Program at the Boyacá National Mining Centre (Centro Minero Regional Boyacá; CMRB)
This work was carried out in 2019, and approval was obtained from the Colombian Ministry of Education in 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which started right after the program was approved, the start of the program at the CMRB was postponed until April 15, 2021, initially in hybrid mode and now in person.
Implementation of an ISO 17025 certification process at the Boyacá Regional Mining Centre (CMRB)
To enhance CMRB’s existing services and laboratories, the accreditation process was developed according to ISO 17025: 2017, the global quality standard for testing and calibration laboratories. In 2022, the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Calidad (INLAC) was hired to identify the laboratory’s strengths and weaknesses, and to prepare the team for the audit by Colombia’s National Accreditation Body (Spanish acronym: ONAC).
Purchase of software for the Boyacá Regional Mining Centre (CMRB)
This included four software packages: planning, ventilation, drilling, and blasting. Training on each of the software packages was provided to different instructors in their respective fields. The use of software helps to increase the number of women in the program as well as improve the labour market integration of CMRB trainees and their results as professionals.
Cross-cutting environmental dimension at the Boyacá Regional Mining Centre (CMRB)
CMRB supported the participation of its students in a photography competition, which aimed to raise awareness around environmental protection. The CMRB trainees won second and third place in this competition. In addition, CICan’s environmental specialist visited CMRB to oversee the extracurricular “Solar Lamps” environmental project, with the aim of raising awareness around environmental issues among the students in the program.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear what they say about it
Héctor Julio Herrera Rincón
Mining Instructor in the Mining Work Supervision Technology Program at the Centro Regional Minero Boyacá (CMRB), under the Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA), Colombia
THEME 3 - Related projects
Continue the story..
Project B01
Curriculum development in electricity and energy efficiency, entrepreneurship, and gender equality initiatives in the extractive sector
Project B02
Curriculum development in mining plant operation, basics of mining plants, and relationships with companies
Project B05
Leadership and change management in industrial mechanics and industrial electromechanics
Project B06
New paradigm for curriculum development in renewable energy and alternative energy sources
Project B07
Supporting curriculum design in heavy machinery maintenance and metallurgy
THEME 4 L
Business and community services
