By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a concerted push to secure Costa Rica’s position as a high-tech hub, leaders from the nation’s export and academic sectors have issued an urgent call to action: dramatically expand technical certification programs to build a workforce ready for the industries of tomorrow, particularly the burgeoning semiconductor sector.
The call highlights a critical national challenge. With Costa Rica vying to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) in advanced manufacturing, a looming talent gap threatens to undermine its competitive edge. The Chamber of Exporters (Cadexco) is sounding the alarm, pointing to the need for practical, skills-based training for the large segment of the population that does not pursue a traditional university degree.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and contractual weight of technology certifications in the Costa Rican labor market, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While a technology certification undoubtedly validates a professional’s skills, it also carries significant legal weight. For employers, it’s a verifiable asset that can justify hiring decisions and salary structures. For employees, it often becomes a contractual element, especially when the company finances the training. In such cases, permanence clauses or training cost reimbursement agreements are common and legally enforceable, transforming a technical achievement into a binding commitment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical, often-overlooked layer to the conversation, transforming certifications from simple skill validators into significant contractual assets. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the binding commitments that can accompany these technical achievements.
Víctor Pérez, President of Cadexco, emphasized the untapped potential of this demographic and the immediate demand from industry. His group also stressed the need to address educational deficiencies that have accumulated since 2019, noting that interns often arrive at companies feeling outdated and unprepared.
Knowing that almost 65% or 70% of the people who leave high school will not go to university, why not open a space for certifications in Artificial Intelligence, in different technological activities which is where the country is heading and that many companies are requesting in their job profiles.
Víctor Pérez, President of the Chamber of Exporters (Cadexco)
The stakes are high. According to Cadexco’s Vice President, Jorge Calderón, the country’s long-standing success in attracting FDI has been built on the foundation of its skilled human talent. A failure to rapidly adapt the educational system to modern demands in STEM fields and bilingualism could see valuable investments go elsewhere.
If we don’t get our act together on this now—and this has to include the Ministry of Education and INA—the foreign direct investment that we have always managed to attract through that great tool of human talent will end up going to other countries.
Jorge Calderón, Vice President of the Chamber of Exporters (Cadexco)
Responding directly to this industry-wide plea, the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (ULatina) has already launched a robust new portfolio of professional certifications. Developed by its Innovation & Technological Development Hub, the programs are specifically designed to supply the specialized talent required for advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and semiconductor design—the very pillars of Costa Rica’s economic future.
The new certifications from ULatina include specialized tracks in Advanced Manufacturing for Industry and Semiconductors, Medical Device Manufacturing, Verification and Testing of Semiconductors, and VLSI Semiconductor Design, among others. The initiative aims to create a pipeline of professionals who are immediately ready to contribute to highly technical work environments.
Companies in the sector increasingly require professionals capable of performing highly technical functions, and these certifications respond to that need with updated content and a practical approach. This offering is designed for people to develop real skills that the technology industry demands today and to expand their opportunities for labor market insertion.
Luis Damazzio, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Program of Universidad Latina
The university’s program is structured for maximum accessibility and success. It targets high school graduates and integrates soft skills and English language training, aligning perfectly with the exporters’ recommendations. To reduce dropout rates, the curriculum is broken into modules, with students earning a micro-credential upon completing each one. Courses are offered with flexibility—in-person or virtual, synchronous or asynchronous—to accommodate both students and participating companies.
This academic initiative is not happening in a vacuum. ULatina is actively collaborating with government bodies like Procomer, Comex, and Cinde to ensure its curriculum is in lockstep with the national strategy to transform Costa Rica into an innovation hub for semiconductors. Future plans include a scholarship system and expanding training to communities like Grecia and Cartago, which host major tech and medical device companies. The university is also building on its alliance with Arizona State University to forge new relationships with leading chip manufacturers.
Álvaro Solano, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and ICTs at Universidad Latina, described the effort as part of a vital synergy between academia and industry. He highlighted the university’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and its strategic focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced simulation to prepare students for the jobs of the future.
We are at a historic moment for Costa Rica. The semiconductor and medical device areas are the most important for development in the country today, providing job flow and great expectations for young people’s future opportunities. There is a great opportunity in semiconductors and in advanced manufacturing, and this requires talent.
Álvaro Solano, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and ICTs of Universidad Latina
This proactive collaboration between Costa Rica’s business leaders and educational institutions represents a critical step in a national pivot toward a more specialized, resilient, and globally competitive economy, ensuring that the country’s talent pool remains its most valuable asset.
For further information, visit cadexco.net
About the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco):
Cadexco is a private, non-profit organization that represents and supports the Costa Rican export sector. It provides services, advocacy, and resources to member companies to promote international trade, enhance competitiveness, and foster sustainable economic development for the country.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest private universities in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its focus on innovation, technology, and strong ties to the industry, aiming to prepare students for the evolving demands of the national and global job markets.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the government entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It supports local businesses with market intelligence, international promotion, and facilitation of trade processes to position Costa Rica as a reliable business partner.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Comex (Ministry of Foreign Trade):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex) is the Costa Rican government body that defines and directs the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It is responsible for negotiating trade agreements, promoting exports, and attracting foreign direct investment to drive economic growth and development.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About Cinde:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (Cinde) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica. For over 40 years, it has worked to bring strategic investments in sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services, contributing significantly to the country’s development.
For further information, visit asu.edu
About Arizona State University:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a major public research university in the United States, renowned for its focus on innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. It has established strategic alliances globally, including with Costa Rican institutions, to collaborate on research, technology, and educational development, particularly in engineering and semiconductor fields.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. More than a legal practice, it operates with a core mission to strengthen society by demystifying the law, dedicating itself to the vital work of fostering a community that is both legally informed and empowered.
