The program is in its final stage
WILLEMSTAD – March 22, 2024 – Recently, a total of 64 course participants received their certificates as part of the Training Program for the Hospitality Sector. They completed an intensive crash course in which they gained basic theoretical and practical knowledge to enter the hospitality industry. There were 20 tourist guides, 20 artisans, 14 assistant cooks, 3 waiters, and 7 individuals who completed the Housekeeping course. During a pleasant ceremony, the Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje and the Counterpart Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board, Mr. Muryad de Bruin, presented the certificates to the participants.
The tourist guide course involved 3 months of intensive training in theory and practical skills in order to become a certified tourist guide. The certificate which the participants received is recognized by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). Most of the participants are already working in the industry and guiding tourists. The artisan course was organized for the first time. During 5 weeks, the participants learned to design and create their own crafts using natural and local products. In addition, they took a Small Business course offered by MEO to learn how to become an entrepreneur in their field of work. Their training concluded with their participation in the Art Fair during Punda Vibes. The assistant cooks and waiter courses lasted for 6 weeks. These groups also completed the Personal Empowerment training, focused on developing their interpersonal skills. Lastly, the Housekeeping course covered topics such as how to perform the job safely, personal hygiene, general cleaning, bed-making, materials, tools, and communication. After completing the various courses, the participants are now working at a learning company in the hospitality industry for a period of 5 months, while receiving a salary. After the 5 months, the company can offer the participants a job contract based on their performance.
The training program is managed by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) is responsible for the implementation of the program. The program is executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labor (SOAW), the Ministry of Education (OWCS), and private sector partners. Over 30 companies are contributing to the project as learning companies, thereby providing participants with an opportunity to find employment in the hospitality industry. The program is in its final stage; to register, visit www.curacaotouristboard.com/education/
CTB, MEO, SOAW, and OWCS congratulate the course participants and wish them much success in their careers in the hospitality industry.
