Productive Labor

El Salvador’s labor force is composed of 3.0 million people, 55% of whom are 40 years old or younger. Thus, it offers a highly productive labor force capable of developing new skills in a short period of time. The country’s labor force is qualified as ideal for manufacturing, agro-industrial and service activities. Furthermore, there is a growing population with higher education that can face the challenges of a modern and globalized economy.

The Salvadoran labor force is world-famous for its industriousness, efficiency and work ethic. Established investors describe the country’s labor force as one of the most outstanding in the world.

Labor Climate

El Salvador’s Labor Code balances the protection and rights of workers with the flexibility that employers require to manage their businesses and create jobs.

El Salvador is characterized for having good employer-worker relationships. It has not been affected by significant disputes or strikes.

Technical Education

Investors can satisfy their demand of technicians through a pool of institutes specialized in technical education, such as:

• MEGATEC (Gradual Education Learning Model of Technical and Technological Education), with locations in La Unión, Chalatenango, Ilobasco, Sonsonate, Santa Ana and Zacatecoluca
• Escuela Superior Franciscana Especializada / AGAPE (Specialized Superior Franciscan School)
• Escuela Especializada en Ingeniería / ITCA-FEPADE (Specialized Engineering School), with regional centers in Santa Ana and San Miguel
• Universidad Don Bosco / UDB (Don Bosco University)
• Escuela Nacional de Agricultura / ENA (National School for Agriculture)

On-the-Job Training

Companies that need to train their active workers can do so with the aid of the Salvadoran Institute for Professional Formation, an autonomous governmental agency that aims to satisfy the needs for qualified human resources required by the country’s private sector.

Multiple investors have found this to be an important tool for partially or totally cofinancing their employees.