A first group of ten women participating in the Women Middle Management (MMF) Program — which ACCIONA is running as part of the La Serena Hospital construction project — have taken a major step forward in their professional careers after earning academic certification from INACAP, a leading higher education institution.

The workers completed a training program that prepares them for future roles as forewomen and supervisors. It consists of five 80 hour academic modules designed to strengthen their skills in construction techniques, safety, quality, sustainability, and leadership. This cutting-edge program is officially certified by INACAP.

“The new La Serena Hospital we are building will not only be a benchmark for healthcare and oncology services in the Coquimbo region. Thanks to the Women Middle Management Program and the active participation of women in executing this project, it also stands out internationally for its efforts to train, integrate, and promote women in the construction industry,” said Project Manager Víctor Pardo at the graduation ceremony held at INACAP’s La Serena campus.

INACAP La Serena Vice Chancellor Soledad Landsberger added, “This course reflects our commitment to continuing to provide learning opportunities that help people grow and take on new professional challenges. Thanks to ACCIONA, we’re now seeing women strengthening their leadership skills and preparing for higher-responsibility roles in construction — while also contributing to a project as important to the region as the new La Serena Hospital.”

WOMEN MIDDLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

As part of its commitment to advancing women’s professional growth in the construction sector, the Women Middle Management Program seeks to benefit more than 160 women through a long-term, comprehensive career plan — from initial training for inexperienced workers to their development as forewomen and future supervisors.

To support this effort, ACCIONA has designed an accelerated training system with the support of public and private entities such as the National Training and Employment Service (SENCE) and top-tier vocational and technical institutions like INACAP, with which the company maintains a long term collaboration agreement focused on technology transfer.

This program builds on a previous successful model implemented at the Marga Marga Provincial Hospital, where a team made up entirely of women built the on-site daycare facility. Several of the supervisors who worked on that project are now joining the La Serena Hospital works to share their experience and expertise with newly certified professionals.

Construction of the new La Serena Hospital began in October 2024 and has already surpassed 15% physical progress, with work focused on the foundations — now over 90% complete — and on installing seismic isolators.

With an investment of nearly US$278 million, the 125,000-square-meter facility is being executed by ACCIONA under a concession model with the Ministry of Public Works. It will serve more than 750,000 people and offer specialties such as neonatology and oncology, positioning it as one of the most modern healthcare centers in Chile and a benchmark for the country’s northern region.