Dominican Friar Appointed to Lead Colombia's Technical Education Service

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has appointed Dominican friar Ricardo Torres Castro to lead the National Training Service (SENA), Colombia's key institution for technical and technological education. Torres is tasked with revitalizing the organization, which provides free vocational training to millions of Colombians each year. De la Espriella announced the appointment on social media platform X, stating the mission is to "strengthen technical and technological training, regain the trust of the productive sector, modernize the institution, and make it the main ally of productivity, innovation, and social mobility again."

Torres, a member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), is set to assume his role on August 7, coinciding with the start of De la Espriella's presidency. His background is primarily academic and administrative. He served as the rector of the Santo Tomás University's Medellín campus from 2017 to 2023 and previously advised the General Directorate of the National Center for Historical Memory. This appointment marks the arrival of a religious figure at the helm of a significant public entity with a widespread presence across Colombia, responsible for job training, entrepreneurship programs, and labor intermediation services through its extensive network of training centers.

The incoming SENA director holds a degree in Philosophy with a focus on political and economic thought, a bachelor's in Theology, and master's degrees in Administration and International Business and Strategic Marketing. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Administration. According to the presentation document from the president-elect's team, Torres views SENA not merely as a training center but as a crucial hub for closing social gaps and fostering societal integration.

His academic and administrative experience, coupled with his stated vision for SENA, suggests a focus on enhancing the institution's relevance and impact. By emphasizing modernization and stronger ties with the productive sector, Torres aims to ensure SENA's training programs align with market demands and contribute effectively to Colombia's economic development and social mobility. The appointment signals a potential shift in the institution's strategic direction, prioritizing innovation and a more holistic approach to workforce development.

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He designated friar Ricardo Torres Castro as director of SENA, with the mission to strengthen technical and technological training, regain the trust of the productive sector, modernize the institution, and make it the main ally of productivity, innovation, and social mobility again.