Digital transformation in the internships and training practices at the Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid

Abstract

Digital transformation has reshaped teaching and learning processes in higher education, directly impacting internships and practical training programs as a bridge between academia and the professional world. This paper presents an analysis of the impact of this transformation at the Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid (PCJIC), a Colombian public institution with a long history of university-industry collaboration. Using a mixed-methods approach, institutional data from the internship program from 2019 to 2024 are examined and compared with the results of the 2024 ANDI National Human Talent Survey, which identifies the most in-demand skills in the productive sector in the digital age. The findings demonstrate significant progress in the digitization of training processes through platforms such as CUEE 2.0, improvements in the traceability and coverage of internships, and greater alignment with emerging labor needs in areas such as data analysis, digital leadership, innovation, and technology management. However, persistent challenges are identified in the comprehensive training of students, including curriculum updates, strengthening soft skills, and preparing teachers for technology-mediated environments. It is concluded that digital transformation has not only modified the management and evaluation mechanisms of internships and work placements but also demands a structural redesign of pedagogical models to ensure relevant, inclusive, and employability-oriented training in a work environment profoundly impacted by artificial intelligence and automation.