A Future, Electrified
How a Salvadoran woman defied expectations and found hope in her hometown as an electrician
Just like a lightning strike, when least expected, life can change in a split second. What matters most is what you do when facing new challenges. Like electricity, you have the power to redirect difficult currents in your path to make way for your dreams and transform your life.
This is the life philosophy of Marta, a 29-year-old woman in El Salvador. “In life there will be difficult times, but the important thing is not to let yourself be defeated,” she said.
When she was 6, Marta’s family began to struggle to make ends meet, as her mom became the sole provider for the family. Marta was driven to help her mom, but as struggles mounted and job opportunities remained scarce, Marta considered migrating to the United States in search of income she could send home. Instead, thanks to her determination and support from USAID, Marta found a well-paying job at home in El Salvador.
She became something she never thought she would be―a certified electrician.
Tangled wires
Marta had hoped to study electronics in high school, get a college degree, then make engineering her career. But the only option available at her local high school was a technical degree in accounting. “All I wanted was to get my high school diploma and start working to be able to help my mother, because she was the only one who contributed with an income to the household,” she said.
But even after obtaining her high school diploma in accounting, Marta couldn’t find a job.
That’s when Marta learned about a USAID-supported job training program for youth in El Salvador, which included a course for electricians, a field traditionally dominated by men. What were the odds that she would get in and, what’s more, succeed and love that work? She decided to find out.
Breaking barriers
In El Salvador, many training courses and job opportunities are still defined by traditional gender roles. As in many parts of the world, there is a gender imbalance when it comes to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
To combat stereotypes, USAID helps employers adopt fair and inclusive hiring practices and works with training centers to update their curricula to align it with current and future needs of the labor market. In addition, USAID and its partners have helped hundreds of young women develop the skills they need to excel in El Salvador’s formal workforce.
Marta set out to shatter societal expectations. She joined the USAID course, graduated at the top of her class, and obtained her license as a certified electrician in 2018.
Connecting the dots
USAID joined forces with training centers, universities, government institutions, and private companies to develop training curricula in high-demand skills for jobs in electronics and technology. The curricula include critical life skills — such as communications, teamwork, self-confidence, and determination — so participating youth can thrive in the workplace. Improving the quality and relevance of training services better prepares youth for the job market.
USAID continues to facilitate on-the-job technical training and soft skills for youth in high-crime municipalities, contributing to professional development and employment. USAID also provides stipends for bus fares and lunches to students enrolled in training courses, which makes completing them a reality.
The key element for the project’s lasting success was building a bridge between trained youth and companies willing to offer them jobs as soon as they finish the training.
One of those businesses is Delsur, one of El Salvador’s largest energy distribution companies. Gustavo Galea, general manager at Delsur, said his company is honored to support this USAID initiative, as it aligned with their philosophy of promoting a more harmonious world.
“These programs, strategically developed and promoted by USAID/El Salvador, are yielding results,” Galea said. “We have great members in our team that came from these programs, who have become excellent workers and make our company a better place.”
Thanks to these alliances, as soon as Marta finished the coursework and obtained her electrician’s license, she was hired by Delsur and has been working with them for more than two years. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Marta was able to keep her job and continue supporting her mother.
In the last five years, more than 5,000 youth like Marta were employed thanks to this USAID project, which built bridges between youth and the opportunities they need to thrive at home.
A brighter future
Marta’s goal is to pursue an electrical engineering degree in college, building on all the things she has learned thanks to USAID and her work experience. She is proud of what she has accomplished here at home and sees no reason to consider the dangerous journey to the U.S.
“My mom is very proud of me, especially when other people tell her that not just any woman works in that field. I never imagined that I would be working here, or that I would have my electrician’s license.” — Marta
Marta’s story is an example of how, when given the chance, Salvadoran youth play a powerful role in the country’s workforce. “I thank USAID for putting their trust in us, and supporting us through programs that opened doors for me and others,” reflected Marta.
She is hopeful about her future in El Salvador, and recognizes that “regardless of the hard times in life, there is always an opportunity that brings hope back to us.”
About the Author
Daniel Valencia is the Social Media Assistant at USAID’s Mission in El Salvador.
