Empowering next generation builders
Sustainable construction is vital to meet the global megatrends shaping our world, especially population growth and urbanization. Yet in the construction sector there is an acute shortage of skilled workers to build the industry, infrastructure and buildings we need.
As the leading partner for sustainable construction, Holcim is addressing this challenge by investing in construction education and skills building – to equip people with the tools they need to strengthen their communities, improve their livelihoods and meet building demand.
Training masons in Azerbaijan
In 2024 Holcim launched the “Usta Menem” (“I’m the MASTER!”) national competition in 2024 to upskill self-taught masons and showcase their expertise. In 2025 around 1,000 registered to take part and 400 masons from across the country were selected to participate.
With Azerbaijan experiencing a construction boom, most of the textbooks and manuals for masons were outdated, so the competition teaches masons technical skills, material science and safety, as well as problem-solving abilities for architectural design and construction.
The finals involved working with an innovative Holcim geobrick product, and while the winner and runners up received prizes, all gained a sense of pride in their profession and established a relationship with Holcim, plus knowledge of our sustainable building solutions.
With Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Education, Holcim is now helping create a new curriculum for the country’s masons – to meet demanding standards, stay on schedule and build with confidence.
This competition truly changed my life and my attitude toward my profession. I sincerely hope that this competition will be held every year, so that many more masons have the opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their skills.
I’m the MASTER!’ is a platform for creativity and competition but also professional development. Participants learnt about Holcim Azerbaijan’s innovative construction products, their technical capabilities and areas of application.
Advancing resilient building in Guatemala
In Guatemala, millions of people live in homes vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Together with Build Change, a leader in systems change for resilient housing, Holcim Guatemala promotes resilient housing through permanent, accessible, and sustainable solutions for families. The initiative has five pillars:
- Influencer Empowerment: Training community members to champion resilient housing by sharing home improvement success stories.
- Model Resilient Homes: Implementing 10 demo projects to give hands-on training for families and builders.
- Capacity Building: Providing technical training for community members and certifying "Resilient Housing Masters" in efficient construction and product use.
- Scalable Impact: Creating a ripple effect where certified workers apply and teach resilient techniques in future local projects.
- Strategic Distribution: Disensa retail network stores are used as technical hubs for training, product dissemination, and community engagement.
For Holcim, this alliance represents a great opportunity to positively influence Guatemalan construction practices by promoting the use of quality materials and providing the necessary technical assistance for their proper use.
Romania’s got young building talent
To spark an interest in construction among young talent, every year Holcim’s Technical School in Romania selects 20 enthusiastic high school graduates and equips them with the skills and knowledge to enter the sector professionally.
The two-year program, accredited by Romania’s Ministry of Labor and Education, takes place at Holcim’s Aleșd factory, with modules supported by Holcim specialists and teachers from Alexandru Roman Technical College in Aleșd. These cover cement manufacturing, mechanical, preventive and electrical maintenance, health and safety, English and more.
To ensure the highest standards of study, the Holcim Technical School brings together teachers, mentors, technologies and the most interesting production processes.
Upskilling Mexico’s construction workers
With the building sector in Latin America booming, Holcim is helping upskill building sector professionals through the Mexican School of Construction (EMC). This initiative provides specialized, free theoretical and practical training, to professionalize construction workers and improve their job opportunities and quality of life.
Over the last 11 years, Holcim has trained more than 40,000 people at EMC in modern, sustainable construction. Graduates can earn 10-20% more, while 24% of students are female and a healthy gender balance is a priority for course leaders.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, EMC graduates volunteered to assess damage, and the school ran a workshop on safe construction to over 80 people in affected communities.
UK youth apprenticeships
Holcim UK offers both Higher and Advanced apprenticeships that allow young people to “earn and learn” as they gain qualifications as well as practical business experience.
Higher Apprenticeships require A-levels or the equivalent of 80 UCAS points, and Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) require five GCSEs, with apprenticeships offered in specializations such as electrical engineering, vehicle maintenance, materials lab technician, mechanical engineering, sales and commercial, and more.
To deliver this curriculum and qualifications, Holcim UK partners with the University of Derby, EEF Make Limited, Tiro Training Ltd. and more.
I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far, especially the opportunity to work on sustainability projects that create a real, visible impact.
We have a host of roles and specialisms across key locations and are keen to help attract the next generation of the Holcim team into the business.
Empowering women in Colombia
Diversity is central to Holcim’s purpose-driven performance culture, a key driver of our NextGen Growth strategy, which is why we’re empowering women in Colombia’s male dominated construction industry – creating new employment opportunities and fixing labor shortages.
Joining forces with the National Learning Service (SENA), Holcim launched “Ella Construye” (“She Builds”) in 2025, a pilot project that aims to promote equity and resilience in construction. 42 women in the first edition were trained on self-construction and home improvements.
After receiving their SENA certifications, 25 women built progress in their municipalities, improving 20 homes and two community spaces.
Key initiatives in Spain and Ivory Coast
In 2025, Holcim Spain launched Holcim Campus, a training and development initiative to drive sustainability, innovation, and social impact. Five participants undertook construction training and practical workshops in the first edition, and 15 will take part in the second.
In Ivory Coast, Holcim launched the first “Maçon Bélier” competition in 2025 to connect with masons and support them with formal vocational training on building safe, sustainable housing. Currently, their skills are often learnt “on the job” and they lack proper structure or recognition.
Holcim Campus, Spain
Holcim Campus, Spain
“Maçon Bélier” competition, Ivory Coast
“Maçon Bélier” competition, Ivory Coast
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