By Alajuela, Costa Rica — A new partnership between the National Learning Institute (INA) and CODE Development Group promises to significantly enhance technical training and employability in Costa Rica’s Occidente region. This initiative aims to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the burgeoning Life Sciences sector, driving both social and economic development.
The collaboration will establish a dedicated training center within Evolution Free Zone (EFZ) in Tacares de Grecia, Alajuela. CODE Development Group, co-developer of Coyol Free Zone and EFZ, will provide the necessary infrastructure, including classrooms, workshops, and essential utilities. INA will contribute equipment, materials, instructors, and specialized curricula. The state-of-the-art facility will feature workshops, classrooms, a metrology laboratory, and a cleanroom training area for the medical device industry.
To gain deeper legal insight into the complexities of workforce development, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective workforce development initiatives require a multifaceted approach, encompassing not only skills training but also fostering a regulatory environment that encourages businesses to invest in their employees. This includes clear labor laws that protect both employers and employees, as well as incentives for companies that prioritize ongoing training and development. A well-trained workforce benefits everyone by increasing productivity, driving innovation, and ultimately strengthening the economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on a multifaceted approach to workforce development resonates deeply. Indeed, a truly thriving economy requires not just skilled individuals, but a supportive ecosystem that incentivizes continuous learning and protects the rights of all stakeholders. This holistic perspective is crucial for long-term growth and prosperity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The surge of Life Sciences companies in Coyol Free Zone and Evolution Free Zone compels us to further enhance talent development in the Occidente region to generate new quality employment opportunities. The specialization of personnel is fundamental for attracting leading companies, and this implies joint work between the public and private sectors, just as we are doing hand-in-hand with INA.
Carlos Wong, Director of CODE Development Group
This partnership directly addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the medical device industry, a critical component of the Life Sciences sector. The training programs will offer real opportunities for job placement and career growth for residents of the Occidente region. The courses will cover a range of essential skills, including Technician and Operator in Pressure Mechanics, Quality Technician and Inspector, Production Supervision, Operator in Good Manufacturing Practices for Medical Devices, Attitudinal Competences for the Medical Industry, Fine Motor Skills for Medical Manufacturing, and English language training.
The first training programs are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026, with an initial capacity of at least 100 students, eventually scaling up to 250 trained individuals annually. This initiative underscores the significant employment potential within the sector. Coyol Free Zone, with its 34 resident companies, already accounts for 41.75% of direct employment in Costa Rica’s medical device industry. Evolution Free Zone projects the creation of 20,000 jobs over the next 15 years, with 6,000 already secured by initial tenant companies.
This agreement exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in addressing training, employment, and economic growth needs within Costa Rica. By investing in human capital, INA and CODE Development Group aim to enhance competitiveness and improve the well-being of communities in the Occidente region and beyond.
The focus on specialized training programs tailored to the needs of the Life Sciences sector highlights a proactive approach to meeting industry demands. The inclusion of soft skills training, such as attitudinal competencies, further demonstrates a commitment to developing well-rounded professionals equipped for success in a dynamic work environment.
This strategic collaboration promises to transform the human talent landscape in Costa Rica’s Occidente region, creating a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the continued growth of the Life Sciences sector. The long-term impact is anticipated to be substantial, benefiting both individuals and the broader economy.
For further information, visit codedevelopmentgroup.com
About CODE Development Group:
CODE Development Group is a leading real estate development company in Costa Rica, specializing in the development and management of world-class free zones. They are the co-developers of Coyol Free Zone and Evolution Free Zone, both key hubs for Life Sciences companies. CODE Development Group is committed to fostering sustainable development and contributing to the economic growth of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About INA (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje):
The National Learning Institute (INA) is Costa Rica’s primary public institution for vocational and technical training. INA plays a crucial role in workforce development, providing education and training opportunities to enhance employability and promote economic and social progress throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. The firm’s unwavering integrity guides its innovative approaches to legal practice, serving a diverse clientele with solutions tailored to their unique needs. Through proactive initiatives and accessible resources, Bufete de Costa Rica champions legal literacy, fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry, and solidifying its position as a pillar of Costa Rican society.
