Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Mexico (RATIFICATION: 1978)

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The Committee takes note of the supplementary information provided by the Government in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020). The Committee proceeded with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the supplementary information received from the Government this year, as well as on the basis of the information at its disposal in 2019. The Committee also notes the observations of the Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX) and the Authentic Workers' Confederation of the Republic of Mexico (CAT), incorporated in the Government’s reports in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Articles 1 to 4 of the Convention. Education and training policies and programmes. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on results achieved under the various plans and programmes implemented with regard to vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the supplementary information provided by the Government indicating that the Employment Support Programme (PAE), attached to the National Employment Service, developed four subprogrammes in 2019: job placement services; support for employability training; self-employment promotion; and internal labour mobility. The Government reports that, in 2020, the PAE plans to carry out three subprogrammes: (i) labour intermediation (including a labour exchange and employment portal); (ii) labour mobility of agricultural day workers (which includes the Mexico–Canada temporary agricultural workers programme); and (iii) employability training. The latter is provided at the request of and in consultation with employers who require trained staff. The Committee also notes that the Government reports on the adoption of the rules of procedure of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, which set out the powers and competences of the National Employment Service and various provisions relating to the development of human resources in administrative career posts. The Committee also notes the adoption of the General Act on the professional teachers’ service, which sets forth the criteria, terms and conditions for entry, promotion, recognition and retention in the teaching service. In addition, under the decree of 11 September 2019, amendments and additions were introduced to the General Act on education and an Act was adopted on special education and early education, including for persons with disabilities. The Government also reports on the amendment of the legislation on access to science and technology, aimed at promoting the development of research and technological degree paths and the use of new information technologies in education. In addition, the website of the Labour Observatory, which is also attached to the National Employment Service, provides guidance to young people on technical and vocational studies. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the beneficiaries of the programme and subprogrammes. The Government also provides information on the training to access and remain in the public administration and on the number of beneficiaries of the training. In its observations, the CAT reports that, because of collective bargaining, education and training have become general principles at the workplace. The CAT also considers that education and training paid for by the employer should be extended to a greater number of workers.

The Committee also notes the Skills-Based Human Resources Training Programme (PROFORHCOM) 2014–2021 of the Ministry for Public Education, whose main objective is to increase the employability of technical education graduates, taking into account labour market demands and the interests of young people. The programme provides support to higher secondary education for the technical baccalaureate and technical vocational baccalaureate, and in employment training centres. The programme is implemented through various institutions, such as the Centres for higher secondary technical education, the National College of Technical Vocational Education (CONALEP) and the General Directorate for Employment Training Centres (DGCFT). It thus aims to strengthen the national skills system by improving the National Council for Labour Skills Standardization and Certification (CONOCER) to enable it to strengthen labour productivity and guide labour training. The Committee notes that under this programme, as of 30 June 2019, 64,802 teachers had been trained, and 43,570 grants for vocational work experience, 7,125 grants for dual training, 13,890 job training grants (CAPACITA T) and 3,137 grants for entrepreneurs had been awarded, among others; 84 degree courses were updated and various studies were conducted to strengthen productive sectors and build skills in the energy, aerospace, telecommunications, electrical and electronic sectors. The Committee also notes the establishment in 2017 of the Education Innovation Network (RIE360), aimed at achieving coordination between academic and higher education institutes to improve university programmes and take better account of current needs and technological innovations. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated information on the policies, laws and administrative regulations adopted that include specific provisions on vocational guidance and training, and on their impact. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the systems for general, technical and vocational education, and educational and vocational guidance, to allow for an overview of the occupational guidance and training systems. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to describe how effective coordination is ensured between the occupational education and training policies and programmes developed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, or other relevant body on the one hand, and employment and public services on the other hand.

Article 3. Young persons and persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the “Young People Building the Future” programme, targeting young persons between 18 and 29 years of age who are not studying or working. The programme comprises two components: education for young people who wish to pursue university studies, and employment training linking young persons with workplaces where they receive training and mentoring for one year. Under the programme, monthly grants are awarded to young persons to enable them to receive one year’s training in enterprises, public institutions and social organizations, where they are trained in skills development to enable them to transition into the world of work. The beneficiaries also receive medical insurance from the Mexican Social Security Institute, which covers accidents, illness, maternity benefits and occupational risks for the duration of the programme. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the training programmes that specifically target young persons, specifying whether and to what extent they are also accessible for persons with disabilities. It also requests the Government to provide statistical information on the beneficiaries of such programmes disaggregated by sex, as well as information on how access for women to technical and scientific degrees is promoted.

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners and dual vocational training. The Committee notes Agreement N 06/0615, establishing the dual training system as an educational option in higher secondary education. The Commission notes with interest that COPARMEX works with educational institutions and enterprises within the framework of such dual training, in particular with further technical education colleges and technological universities. In its observations, COPARMEX indicates that, in such training, particular account is taken of the influence of technology on productive processes, mechatronics and prospects for the “fourth industrial revolution”, and its impact on employment. The Committee notes that, according to the Mexico country profile on TVET, presented to UNESCO and prepared with support from CONALEP, this dual education programme is being developed in collaboration with the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training in 11 economic sectors. The Committee requests the Government to provide supplementary information on the functioning and impact of the dual education system and the economic sectors in which it is being developed. In addition, it requests the Government to forward information on any cooperation that exists between workers’ and employers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes.

Occupational education and training during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the guidance provided under the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195). The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the pandemic on vocational education and training in Mexico and on the measures and best practices adopted by the Government and the social partners (for example, innovative tools for remote training and continuous learning) to confront the current challenges, and how equality of opportunity and treatment has been ensured in such circumstances.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2013.

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Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the indications in the Government’s report that the objectives of the National Development Plan for 2013–14 include an education and training initiative for labour, with a view to increasing the quality of human capital and linking it closely to the productive sector. The Committee also notes with interest the contribution to the Government’s report from the Confederation of Chambers of Industry (CONCAMIN) confirming that it actively participated in the integration and evaluation of the programmes implemented by the Ministry of Labour for capacity building with a view to ensuring permanent employment for workers. In the report on the Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), CONCAMIN added that providing capacity building and skills training for workers during the working day is an obligation for employers under the legislation in force. The Committee invites the Government to continue to include in its reports information and statistical data enabling an examination of the results achieved under the various plans and programmes implemented with regard to the vocational guidance and training provided and the integration of the beneficiaries into the labour market. The Committee would also like to continue to receive the opinions of the social partners who collaborate in the implementation of the programmes carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare with regard to human resources development.

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Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the indications in the Government’s report that the objectives of the National Development Plan for 2013–14 include an education and training initiative for labour, with a view to increasing the quality of human capital and linking it closely to the productive sector. The Committee also notes with interest the contribution to the Government’s report from the Confederation of Chambers of Industry (CONCAMIN) confirming that it actively participated in the integration and evaluation of the programmes implemented by the Ministry of Labour for capacity building with a view to ensuring permanent employment for workers. In the report on the Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), CONCAMIN added that providing capacity building and skills training for workers during the working day is an obligation for employers under the legislation in force. The Committee invites the Government to continue to include in its reports information and statistical data enabling an examination of the results achieved under the various plans and programmes implemented with regard to the vocational guidance and training provided and the integration of the beneficiaries into the labour market. The Committee would also like to continue to receive the opinions of the social partners who collaborate in the implementation of the programmes carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare with regard to human resources development.

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Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the Governments’ report for the period ending in May 2008 which included detailed replies to the direct request of 2003. The Government refers to the objectives and strategies of the National Development Plan for 2007–12, in particular to the Employment Support Programme (PAE), which includes the BÉCATE job training and grant subprogramme covering various types of training. The Committee asks the Government to attach reports and statistics to its next report to allow an examination of the results achieved under the National Development Plan with regard to the vocational guidance and training provided and the integration of the beneficiaries into the labour market. The Committee would also like to examine the ways in which the social partners have collaborated in the implementation of the programmes carried out by the Secretariat for Labour and Social Welfare with regard to human resources development.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Chambers of Industry (CONCAMIN) attached to the Government’s report, which indicate that:

One of the most efficient methods to draw attention to the content of the Convention is through the Council for the Standardization and Certification of Labour Skills, which serves to bring the workforce closer to the workplace. The system enables educational centres to guide the training and educational programmes towards the elements required to achieve the desired skills. Employers participate in the identification of job requirements and characteristics and in determining the qualifications required and the proper certification. CONCAMIN also believes it is necessary to improve communication with educational and technical institutions and universities in order to modernize educational programmes and link them with the job characteristics and technological progress which will make it easier to bring the workforce closer to employment.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report information on the work of the Council for the Standardization and Certification of Labour Skills and any measures taken to implement comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training closely linked with employment. Please also indicate the manner in which communication has been improved between systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance, vocational training, on the one hand, and employment opportunities, on the other (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

In this respect, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would, as in the past, attach to its report extracts from reports and statistics which make it possible to assess the activities carried out and the results achieved through the application of the human resources development policy, within the meaning of the Convention.

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The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government concerning the implementation of the Labour Force Skills Programme. It notes in particular the emphasis that is placed in this Programme on greater participation by employers, workers and their organisations in human resources development programmes. The programme to strengthen the National Employment Service and training grants for unemployed workers are intended to promote the development of training and retraining activities for the unemployed, while the industrial training programme is intended to improve the productivity and competitivity of small and medium-sized enterprises through the further training of their employees. Furthermore, a programme has been established to strengthen the links between education, training and production needs through a more effective utilisation of training centres. The Committee also notes the coming into force of the new National Programme of Training and Productivity for 1991-1994.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply in its future reports detailed information on the developments and results achieved in all the areas covered by the Convention.

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Article 4 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the full and substantial information supplied by the Government in its last report on the restructuring and operation of the vocational training system. The Government supplied detailed documentation, provided by the Sub-Secretariat for Educational Planning of the Secretariat of Public Education, concerning the characteristics and activities of the "National Educational Guidance System". It also transmitted valuable documentation provided by the General Directorate of Training and Productivity of the Secretariat of Labour and Social Insurance, concerning the activities and achievements of the "National Programme of Training and Productivity". The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information in its next report on the way in which the National Educational Guidance System and the National Programme of Training and Productivity are co-ordinated. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to supply detailed information in its future reports on the effect given in practice to the Convention.

Article 3. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that many government institutions are active in the field of professional guidance for disabled workers. The Government states that it has undertaken the relevant consultations in order to gather sufficient information on this subject to enable it to continue examining the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159). The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information in this respect.