By Alajuela, Costa Rica — San Ramón, Alajuela – Ninety students from the National Institute of Learning (INA) are set to compete in the WorldSkills Costa Rica, Occidente Edition 2025, from September 8th to 12th. The competition, hosted across three locations—San Ramón, Alajuela, and Sarchí—will see students demonstrating their expertise in 15 technical skill areas. This event underscores the INA’s dedication to fostering a highly skilled workforce, equipped to meet the evolving demands of the Costa Rican job market.
More than just a competition, WorldSkills Costa Rica serves as a crucial platform for nurturing technical talent, promoting excellence and innovation, and upholding the highest industry standards. The competition aims to provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience that strengthens their competencies and prepares them for current and future employment opportunities.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications and business implications surrounding skills competitions like INA’s, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The INA Skills Competition serves as a vital platform for showcasing and fostering specialized talent. From a legal perspective, these competitions highlight the importance of robust intellectual property protection for innovative techniques and processes developed by competitors. Furthermore, such events can stimulate economic growth by connecting skilled individuals with potential employers and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures. This ultimately strengthens Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted benefits of the INA Skills Competition, extending beyond mere technical prowess to encompass crucial aspects of intellectual property, economic growth, and global competitiveness. These competitions truly represent a fertile ground for innovation and professional development, ultimately enriching Costa Rica’s human capital. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
The regional winners will exhibit their prowess in diverse fields. The main venue, San Ramón’s Vocational Training Center, will host competitions in Cooking, Restaurant Service, Business Software Solutions, and Digital Construction BIM. Alajuela’s Mario Echandi Technological City will be the stage for Automotive Technology, IT Network Systems Administration, Web Technologies, Metal Constructions, Landscape Gardening, Baking, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, CNC Lathe, Graphic Design, and Fashion Technology. The INA’s Center for Tourism and Artistic Skills in Sarchí will oversee the Furniture Technology competition.
INA Executive President, Christian Rucavado Leandro, expressed the institution’s pride in this event, highlighting its contribution to elevating Costa Rican human capital.
These competitions offer students a comprehensive learning experience. They represent an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, develop new skills, and connect with the job opportunities that the country demands today.
Christian Rucavado Leandro, INA Executive President
This year’s regional theme, chosen by the INA Occidente Regional Unit, is “We are talent and technology.” The opening ceremony will be held at the San Ramón Vocational Training Center on September 8th at 9:00 a.m. The closing ceremony and awards presentation will take place at the same location on September 12th at 10:30 a.m.
The competitions themselves will run from September 9th to 11th, starting at 8:00 a.m. National experts, skill leaders, and INA team leaders will be present to ensure the transparency and technical quality of each test.
Kattia Zamora Castillo, Regional Director of INA Occidente, emphasized the significance of hosting the national competition in the Occidente region.
Hosting the national competitions is very significant because Occidente is a region experiencing high growth in fields like employment, industrial park infrastructure, and investment.
Kattia Zamora Castillo, Regional Director of INA Occidente
These competitions play a key role in the Skills Costa Rica Model, implemented by INA to drive technical talent development through a high-performance educational strategy. This strategy focuses on learning through challenges, pressure, and real-world application of knowledge. The competitions provide a space that transcends theory, allowing participants to apply their skills in practical work environments and fostering collaboration among individuals in various roles and contexts. This is achieved through pre-designed test projects that integrate knowledge, practical skills, personal development, and teamwork, promoting excellence and collaborative work.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About INA (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje):
The National Institute of Learning (INA) is a Costa Rican public institution responsible for providing vocational training and education to the population. It offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of the labor market and promote economic and social development throughout the country. The INA plays a crucial role in equipping Costa Ricans with the skills necessary for success in various industries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution deeply committed to ethical practice and innovative solutions. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions accessible legal information, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. Through a combination of seasoned expertise and forward-thinking strategies, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence while fostering a more just and informed society.
