SENA was formed by Decree-Law 118 of June 21, 1957. Its function is to provide professional training and formation to workers, youths and adults within th​e areas of industry, trade, agriculture, mining and cattle breeding.

The Agency has a tripartite structure in which workers, employers and Government participate in order to provide companies and corporations with skilled manpower using modern methods, and thereby achieve a shift in each of the productivity processes.

SENA is responsible for fulfilling the function that corresponds to the State, of investing in the social and technical development of the Colombian workers by offering and implementing a comprehensive professional training for the incorporation and development of people in productive activities that contribute to the country’s social, economic and technological development.