Querétaro’s Electric Power Industry Suffers Staff Lack

The electrical industry in Querétaro is facing a labor shortage, affecting both specialized and operational positions, according to industry representatives.

The president of the Querétaro Association of Electromechanical Contractors (Acoeq), Tláloc Gualito Soto, reported that all member companies (between 75 and 80) have reported a need for talent, particularly electrical and electromechanical engineers.

“The association includes 75 to 80 companies, and all of them are short-staffed—in every area, but mainly electrical engineers and electromechanical engineers. However, we’re short on everything: administrative staff, accountants, a lot of general assistants, and technical personnel. We do have a staffing shortage. There are people, but they leave us—they switch companies—and we’re really short-staffed,” he said.

The shortage of personnel is linked to generational factors as well as a lack of interest in the electrical or electromechanical industry.

“It’s a generational issue; the truth is that many young people no longer want to pursue these fields of study—they’ve lost interest. These events are meant to promote electrical engineering and all other engineering disciplines. We’re holding workshops and training sessions,” he said.

Through initiatives such as the “Women Energizing the Future” Conference, the association seeks to promote STEM careers and encourage more women to join the sector.

The director of the Querétaro State Energy Agency (AEEQ), Mauricio Reyes Caracheco, noted that the industry is in need of talent, a challenge that is also linked to the increase in demand for energy infrastructure.

“It is a necessity dictated by the current moment and circumstances; this explosive growth in energy demand requires more infrastructure,” he said.

Due to this conflict facing the industry, the AEEQ, Acoeq, and Condumex are developing a free training program as a strategy for developing human capital.

So far, two cohorts—each consisting of between 50 and 60 participants—have completed the training and have gone on to find job opportunities at Acoeq member companies or other firms in the industry, the association’s president noted.

In this context, the goal is also to raise awareness of and increase women’s participation in this industry, emphasized Acoeq Vice President Claudia Palau Reyna.

To that end, the second edition of the “Women Energizing the Future” Conference, held in the state capital, estimates that 31% (25 out of 80) of the companies that make up the association are led by women.