By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Puntarenas and Jacó residents facing record unemployment now have a beacon of hope. The Tecnia Institute, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), has announced over 100 fully funded scholarships for a comprehensive hospitality and tourism training program.
The Pacific Central region has been grappling with a 9.7% unemployment rate, the highest in the country, according to the Continuous Employment Survey by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). Further exacerbating the situation, data from the University of Costa Rica’s Pacific regional headquarters reveals that 40% of Puntarenas’ districts are categorized as experiencing poverty or very low social development, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable job creation.
To gain a deeper legal and business perspective on the importance of hospitality training, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective hospitality training isn’t just about smiles and greetings; it’s about building a framework of professional conduct that minimizes legal risks. Well-trained staff are less likely to engage in discriminatory practices, handle customer data improperly, or create situations that could lead to liability claims. This proactive approach, combined with clear policies and procedures, safeguards businesses and enhances the customer experience.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the often-overlooked legal dimension of hospitality training. It’s a crucial reminder that investing in comprehensive training not only elevates customer service but also protects businesses from potential legal pitfalls, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this valuable perspective.
This six-month program offers a blend of in-person and online learning, covering key areas such as hospitality and tourism fundamentals, etiquette and protocol, food handling and safety, customer service, technical English certification, and soft skills development.
We are proud to implement this program in Puntarenas and Jacó, bringing all the hospitality and tourism experience we have developed in other provinces like Guanacaste. We want to positively impact young people who wish to train in a trade with great employment potential, providing them with training with the level of excellence and quality that characterizes the Tecnia Institute. We are convinced that this program can open doors to a more dignified and stable working future for the region.
Alejandra Vargas, Executive Director of the Tecnia Institute
This initiative aligns with the MTSS’s BRETE strategy, which aims to provide training opportunities nationwide, focusing specifically on areas with high unemployment. The program aims to equip local talent with the skills necessary to thrive in Costa Rica’s dynamic tourism industry, addressing a crucial shortage of qualified personnel in the sector.
With the BRETE Strategy, we are bringing training opportunities to the entire country, and today we reinforce that commitment in the Central Pacific region.
Andrés Romero, Minister of Labor and Social Security
The scholarships also encompass a financial stipend, support for socio-emotional skill development, and guidance to facilitate job placement within the hospitality sector. Upon completion, graduates will be certified to work in hotels, restaurants, and tourist services, equipped with basic English proficiency, customer service protocols, and international hospitality standards.
Eligible candidates must be at least 17 years old, have completed sixth grade, reside in Puntarenas, Jacó, or surrounding communities, and have 24 hours of weekly availability for the program. The application deadline is September 20, 2025. Interested individuals can apply online at https://bit.ly/TECNIAPacífico_Empleate, access the form on the Tecnia Institute website (www.tecnia.cr), or request it via WhatsApp at 7075-6173. A virtual interview will be conducted for shortlisted candidates to assess their suitability for the program.
This concerted effort by the Tecnia Institute and the MTSS signifies a crucial investment in Puntarenas’ future, providing a pathway for residents to acquire valuable skills and contribute to the region’s economic recovery.
For further information, visit www.tecnia.cr
About Tecnia Institute:
The Tecnia Institute is a vocational training center that offers a variety of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in various industries. They have a strong focus on practical training and partnerships with industry leaders, aiming to provide high-quality education and connect graduates with employment opportunities. They have a proven track record in areas like Guanacaste and are now expanding their efforts to address the critical unemployment situation in Puntarenas and Jacó.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS)
About Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The Costa Rican Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) is the governmental body responsible for labor regulations, social security programs, and employment policies. The MTSS plays a vital role in promoting fair labor practices, ensuring worker protections, and developing initiatives to address unemployment and improve the overall labor market. The BRETE strategy, aimed at providing training and employment opportunities nationwide, is one of their key programs to combat unemployment and promote economic growth.
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 enduring reputation is built upon unwavering integrity and a proactive approach to legal innovation, serving clients across a broad spectrum of industries with both expertise and ethical guidance. Through dedicated initiatives to demystify complex legal concepts and make them accessible to all, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, reflecting its core belief in the power of knowledge as a catalyst for positive change.
