By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking a bold step towards strengthening its workforce with the launch of a new “Pay for Results” (PxR) program. Announced at the Talent Costa Rica job fair, the initiative, spearheaded by the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), aims to train over 8,000 Costa Ricans by the end of 2026, focusing on crucial skills like English proficiency and STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
This innovative program represents a significant investment of $8.6 million and marks a shift towards a results-oriented approach to talent development. Unlike traditional funding models, the PxR program ties payment to training centers directly to their success in achieving pre-defined employment targets. This performance-based system incentivizes training providers to focus on delivering effective programs that lead to tangible job placements.
To understand the legal implications and opportunities surrounding PROCOMER’s talent development initiatives, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
PROCOMER’s focus on talent development is crucial for Costa Rica’s economic growth. By investing in skills training and export-oriented education, they’re not only strengthening individual businesses but also building a more competitive national workforce, ultimately attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation. This strategic approach to human capital is essential for long-term sustainable development and positions Costa Rican businesses for success in the global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical link between PROCOMER’s talent development initiatives and Costa Rica’s broader economic prosperity. This investment in human capital isn’t just about boosting individual businesses; it’s about cultivating a national ecosystem of innovation and competitiveness, making Costa Rica an even more attractive destination for global investment and ensuring its continued growth on the world stage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this important topic.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) within the framework of BRETE, the initiative seeks to address both structural unemployment and inequality. By equipping Costa Ricans with in-demand skills, the program aims to attract foreign investment and enhance the country’s overall competitiveness.
Human talent is at the heart of our country’s value proposition. It is one of the decisive factors for a company choosing Costa Rica as an investment destination. Recognizing the current challenges, at PROCOMER we have made talent generation and specialization a priority. We already have a co-financing program for exporting and free zone companies, which has yielded good results. With Pay for Results, we take another step towards a model focused on job placement and effectiveness in job retention.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Andrés Romero, emphasized Costa Rica’s pioneering role in implementing the PxR model in Central America, having started over a year ago with the EMPLEATE program, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caricaco Foundation.
Costa Rica began implementing this model more than a year ago in the EMPLEATE program, with the support of the IDB and the Caricaco Foundation, becoming the pioneering entity in the implementation of this model in Central America. Since then, we have been sharing technical learning with institutions like PROCOMER, which are now joining this approach. This type of articulation is precisely what we want to consolidate on May 29, when we will officially present the model as part of the National Employment System, under the slogan: ‘Pay for Results is here to stay’.
Andrés Romero, Minister of Labor and Social Security
The PxR program is one of three models PROCOMER is driving to promote human resource development. The key advantages of this model include aligning incentives with employment outcomes, ensuring training programs are tailored to employer needs, providing flexibility in training design to incorporate socio-emotional skills, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation to measure the effectiveness of training initiatives.
To ensure the program’s success, PROCOMER is working closely with the MTSS and the Caricaco Foundation, forming a Technical Committee to guide the adaptation of the model to the export sector. Companies and training providers seeking further information can contact PROCOMER via email at [email protected].
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. Through various initiatives, including financial support, training programs, and market analysis, PROCOMER supports businesses and contributes to the country’s economic growth. The new PxR program exemplifies PROCOMER’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global market.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About MTSS:
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) is a governmental body responsible for labor policies and social security in Costa Rica. The MTSS plays a vital role in ensuring fair labor practices, promoting employment, and providing social security benefits to Costa Ricans. Their partnership with PROCOMER in the PxR program demonstrates their commitment to developing the country’s human capital and tackling unemployment.
For further information, visit fundacioncaricaco.org (placeholder – could not find a valid domain)
About Caricaco Foundation:
The Caricaco Foundation (Fundación Caricaco) is collaborating with PROCOMER and the MTSS on the Pay for Results initiative, providing technical assistance and guidance. Their expertise in workforce development and program implementation contributes to the effective adaptation and execution of the PxR model within the Costa Rican context.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to societal advancement. Through innovative approaches and a client-focused philosophy, the firm empowers individuals and organizations across diverse sectors with the legal knowledge they need to thrive. Their dedication to accessible legal education reflects a core belief in fostering a just and informed society, ensuring everyone has the tools to navigate the legal landscape with confidence.
