Courier school in Ecuador: Building skills for inclusive, sustainable logistics
- Thamires Pecis
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
In Ecuador, the Courier School has grown into a place where people come to learn, connect and find new possibilities for themselves.
What began as a training initiative is now a shared effort led by Grupo Entregas with UTPL, the Ministry of Telecommunications, BID Lab, Sistema B, UNHCR, Rett Foundation, World Vision, MINTEL, ACNUR, Formación Permanente and UEMI.
Together, UEMI and the partners support people in vulnerable situations who are looking for a way into the labour market and a chance to build more secure futures.
A model built on accessibility and partnership
The programme is offered mainly online, with live sessions and digital materials that allow participants to follow the course from different parts of the country.
The certification endorsed by UTPL gives the training a strong academic foundation, while the online format keeps it within reach of those who cannot easily attend in person.
Inclusion and gender at the heart of the programme
Since the first editions, the Courier School has opened its doors to women who face particular challenges when entering the job market, especially in logistics and last-mile delivery. Many come as heads of household or from situations where opportunities have been limited. The seventh edition, completed in 2025, brought together 20 women who used the course not only to learn technical skills but also to gain confidence and see new possibilities for themselves.
To support their participation, the programme offered a 25 percent discount for women and other vulnerable groups. For many, this reduction makes the difference between being able to join the course or having to postpone their plans once again.
In the same edition, 12 people with disabilities also took part. Their presence reflects the commitment to creating learning spaces where different needs are acknowledged and supported. By combining practical training with an inclusive approach, the programme helps ensure that last-mile logistics becomes a field with room for everyone.
Relevant content for a changing sector
The programme continues to work closely with academia and civil society to ensure that the content remains practical and useful. Participants learn about courier operations, customs, safety, sustainable mobility, electromobility and soft skills, a combination that supports employability and prepares them for a sector that is evolving quickly.
A growing collaboration with UEMI
UEMI’s partnership with the Courier School builds on a shared vision for last-mile delivery and electric mobility. As part of the SOLUTIONSplus project in 2024, five women received scholarships to obtain their professional driving licences, helping overcome financial barriers that often limit women’s access to jobs in transport.
UEMI also contributed to the training through a module on electromobility, supporting the school in bringing new knowledge to participants as the city advances toward cleaner mobility solutions. As different projects move forward, this collaboration is expected to continue growing.
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