Addressing the Digital Divide in Mexico
In an effort to bridge the digital divide that restricts employment opportunities, the Government of Mexico initiated the Escuela Pública de Código (EPC) programme in 2025, managed by the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT). This initiative aims to empower individuals by providing free access to technology training and certifications.
The EPC serves as a comprehensive platform offering online courses tailored for the general public aged 18 and over, regardless of their prior experience in the field. Currently, the programme encompasses nearly 20 courses that cover essential contemporary topics such as cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence (AI) fundamentals, cloud services, digital marketing, and e-commerce.
Collaborating with the Research and Innovation Centre for Information Technologies (INFOTEC), this strategy has successfully engaged approximately 47,000 individuals across the nation. The ATDT notes that participants in these training sessions include a diverse range of individuals, from young adults to university students and public servants.
Comprehensive Course Offerings
The course offerings at the EPC are subject to change with each call for applications, meaning not all programmes are available simultaneously. However, some of the latest additions to the curriculum include:
- Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (in collaboration with Google)
- Fundamentals of Software Development
- Fundamentals of Python
- Intermediate Python
- Applied AI for Beginners
- Applied AI Intermediate Level
- Professional Certification in User Experience Design (UX) (in collaboration with Google)
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing and E-commerce (in collaboration with Google)
- Professional Certificate in Project Management (in collaboration with Google)
- Professional Certificate in Data Analysis (in collaboration with Google)
- Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity (in collaboration with Google)
- Professional Certificate in IT Support (in collaboration with Google)
- Java Fundamentals
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundation I
- Database Design
- Technological Foundations for Public Service
While some courses are designed for beginners seeking to build their first technological skills, others may require specific prerequisites or prior knowledge.
How to Enrol in EPC Courses
The course offerings and certifications provided by the Escuela Pública de Código are announced through calls for applications on their official website, www.epc.gob.mx. Interested individuals should regularly check for available courses and register within the designated time frames for each programme, similar to a traditional educational institution.
Typically, each course cycle lasts for one month. Furthermore, given the personalised support provided to students, there is a limited capacity for each certification. Should a participant be unable to secure a spot or miss the registration deadline, they will need to wait between 30 to 60 days for the commencement of the next cycle.