VALERIA

VALERIA: Liderando la transformación en VET en Ecuador y Guatemala mediante la Alfabetización en Inteligencia Artificial a través de Microcredenciales (Leading the Transformation of Vocational and Technical Education (VET) in Ecuador and Guatemala Through Artificial Intelligence Literacy Using Microcredentials)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global competitiveness and employability; by developing essential AI skills, professionals not only secure better job placements but also adapt more effectively to evolving market demands. In this context, VALERIA aims to advance AI literacy within Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions in Guatemala and Ecuador, with a specialized focus on AI skills for entrepreneurship, marketing, and technology. By leveraging digital microcredentials, VALERIA offers agile, stackable certifications that validate essential AI skills for both VET teachers and learners with a particular emphasis on young people and women’s training, a group that has historically been underrepresented in technological fields. Through practical coursework, industry collaboration, and innovative pedagogical methods, VALERIA seeks to bridge the skills gap, thereby enhancing competitiveness and employability across Guatemala and Ecuador in the Latin American Region. Key activities include the development of modular, competency-based short programs in Guatemala and Ecuador. These programs integrate AI fundamentals with applied entrepreneurial and marketing strategies. These programs are delivered in flexible formats (online, hybrid and in-person) to accommodate diverse learner profiles and promote lifelong learning. In parallel, faculty and institutional staff in VET institutions will receive training on cutting-edge AI tools and pedagogical adaptations, covering areas such as content creation, student support, and assessment. This ensures that VET institutions remain responsive to evolving market demands for AI literacy. VALERIA brings together seven partners. The five institutions in Latin America are two VET institutions (Kinal in Guatemala and CCC in Ecuador), two universities actively engaged in VET (UG and UCuenca), and the National Research and Education Network in Ecuador (CEDIA) as a technology provider. The two European partners (UC3M and UT) contribute extensive research and development expertise in educational technology and innovation, with a particular emphasis on AI in education. Building on these activities, partnerships, and technological innovations, VALERIA ultimately seeks to establish a robust ecosystem of digital microcredentials that supports professional development and drives innovation within VET on the basis of AI literacy. By connecting educational stakeholders with industry partners, VALERIA fosters a collaborative environment that enhances the global competitiveness of VET teachers and learners, while positioning AI literacy at the forefront of entrepreneurial, marketing, and technological advancement in Guatemala and Ecuador..

• Partners: UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID (Coordinator), UNIVERSITÉ DE TOULOUSE, UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA, CEDIA, CÁMARA DE COMERCIO DE CUENCA, UNIVERSIDAD GALILEO, FUNDACIÓN KINAL
• Associated Partners: UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, ITESO, UNIVERSIDAD DEL CAUCA
• Duration: 2027-2029.
• Project id: 101328345