WILLEMSTAD – February 10, 2025 – Recently, a total of 74 trainees received their certificates as part of the Hospitality Training Program. The participants completed an intensive short crash course, where they gained both basic theoretical and practical knowledge to enter the hospitality industry. This group consists of 25 assistant cooks, 17 assistant bartender/waiter, 5 housekeeping staff, 11 tourist guides, and 16 certified Training Instructors. During a pleasant ceremony Minister Charles Cooper, responsible for economic development, along with Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), presented certificates to the participants.
The assistant cooks and assistant bartender/waiter courses lasted for 12 weeks. The assistant cooks course covered basic food preparation techniques. Participants in the assistant bartender/waiter course learned essential skills such as bartending techniques, taking and serving orders, and providing quality service. Additionally, all trainees completed the Personal Empowerment training aimed at developing their interpersonal skills. All participants are currently working at a learning company in the hospitality industry for five months, receiving a salary. After this period, the company has the option to offer them a work contract based on their performance.
The Housekeeping course also took place, covering key topics such as safety, hygiene, cleanliness, daily and regular maintenance, bed-making techniques, and language skills. The tourist guide course involved 3 months of intensive theoretical and practical training to become a certified tourist guide. The certificate awarded is recognized by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA). Additionally, all participants attended an information session by the Ministry of Labor covering employee rights and obligations, along with presentations from various CTB representatives on marketing, tourism statistics, and tourism product development. Finally, a group of 16 professionals in the hospitality industry received their Training Instructors certificates. These individuals are responsible for guiding trainees at their respective learning companies.
The training program is managed by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and implemented by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB). The program is executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labor (SOAW), the Ministry of Education (OWCS), and partners in the private sector.
