WILLEMSTAD – May 19, 2025 – Recently,a totalof 57 participants received their certificatesas part of the Hospitality Industry Training Program. The participants completed a short, intensive crash course in which they acquired both theoretical and practical basic knowledge to enter the hospitality industry. The group included 23 assistant cooks, 8 assistant bartenders/waiters, 5 bellmen/hosts, and 21 housekeeping staff. During a pleasant ceremony, Mr. Franklin Sluis, Chief of Cabinet Ministry of Economic Development on behalf of Minister Charles Cooper, together with Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), presented certificates to the participants.
The assistant cooks and assistant bartender/waiter courses had a duration of 12 weeks. In the assistant cook course, participants learned basic food preparation techniques. Those in the bartender/waiter course learned bartending techniques, how to take and serve orders, and how to deliver quality service. In addition, all participants completed a Personal Empowerment training focused on developing their interpersonal skills.
A Housekeeping course was also offered. The curriculum included topics such as safety, hygiene, cleaning, daily maintenance, bed-making techniques, and language training. Participants in the Bellman/Host course were trained in all key aspects of tourist interaction, including greeting guests, problem-solving, effective communication, and ensuring pleasant guest experience. Additionally, all participants attended an information session from the Ministry of Labor regarding employee and employer rights and responsibilities. Most participants are already working at a learning company in the hospitality industry for a period of 5 months and are receiving a salary. After these 5 months, the company has the option to offer the participants a job contract based on their performance.
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.
