What is the name of your organization?
Espacio Educa
What is the name of your solution?
Instituto de Oficios Digitales
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
A hybrid training and coworking hub that upskills youth from informal jobs into tech careers through intensive digital education.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Caracas, Capital District, Venezuela
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Venezuela, RB
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
In Venezuela, a significant portion of the youth population faces challenges in accessing education and formal employment. As of 2020, approximately 37% of Venezuelan youth were not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET) . This situation is exacerbated by high rates of informal employment, with over 55% of young workers engaged in informal jobs
These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions that provide accessible education and pathways to formal employment for Venezuelan youth. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering economic prosperity and social stability in the region
What is your solution?
Our solution is the Instituto de Oficios Digitales (IOD), a hybrid physical and digital hub designed to upskill underserved Venezuelan youth—particularly those aged 18 to 30 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)—into formal tech careers.
Building upon our successful pilot programs in two public schools, where we trained over 150 students and facilitated more than 10 job placements, the IOD offers an intensive, modular curriculum covering web development and digital skills. The training is delivered through a blended model that combines on-site workshops with digital learning tools. We are planning to expand our curriculum to integrate high-demand skills including programming, front-end development, data analysis, and AI for digital careers.
The IOD also will functions as a community coworking space, providing access to technology, mentorship, and a professional environment that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. Our model includes partnerships with tech companies that commit to hiring graduates, with a pay-for-success approach where employers contribute financially upon successful placement.
This integrated approach not only equips youth with in-demand digital skills but also bridges the gap between informal employment and the formal tech industry, promoting social mobility and economic inclusion in a region where the NEET rate is significantly high.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution serves Venezuelan youth between 18 and 30 years old who are not in formal education, employment, or training. Most come from low-income communities, work in the informal economy, and lack access to quality training or job opportunities. Traditional pathways like university are often out of reach due to cost, geography, or exclusion.
These young people are full of potential but disconnected from the digital economy and meaningful mentorship. They lack role models who reflect their backgrounds and aspirations.
Through the Instituto de Oficios Digitales, we provide intensive training in programming, front-end development, data analysis, and AI for digital careers. But technical skills are just the beginning. We’ve built a multidisciplinary team—including psychologists, mentors, and career coaches—who offer holistic support for students navigating both job placements and major life transitions.
Our model fosters self-confidence, resilience, and a strong professional identity. By combining practical education with psychosocial support and exposure to relatable role models in tech, we become a full support network—empowering our students to thrive in formal, better-paid jobs and to unlock long-term economic and personal mobility.
