WILLEMSTAD – On Saturday, November 23, 2019, the “Ready for Tourism” event was held for the first time at Marnix College, Cas Cora. This project was launched by CHATA in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW). Around 400 people attended this event from which 300 will find a job in various tourist departments. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the inhabitants of Curaçao could request information about the available vacancies. During this event the Junior Chef, who will be part of the culinary team of Curaçao, was also chosen to represent our island next year at the ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ in Miami.
“We are very satisfied with the results of this event. “Ready for Tourism” doesn’t only focus on tourist growth, but also helps people looking for a job. It was a very successful day with extremely enthusiastic and dynamic faces of both the young and older generation regarding the vacancies available in the tourism sector” says Miles Mercera, CEO of CHATA. Of the 400 citizens who attended this event, 329 have already done their first interview. Together with the candidates who registered via SOAW/”Steunpunt”, they will go through a selection procedure before getting invited for a second interview.
The tourism and hospitality industry continues to grow. In this context, skilled employees with a willingness to work are desperately needed. The content of this program has a basic level and the design is linked to the Education-Based Learning system. Teachers with experience in this industry and with didactic skills will be in charge of the courses and will also be responsible for collaboration with the companies. The practical period in a company lasts 20 weeks and is concluded with a practical exam.
“Ready for Tourism” offered the following courses:
– Kitchen assistant (cook)
– Service assistant
– Assistant for hospitality security
– Housekeeping
It is important to report that “providing good service” is a very important element during the trainings. It can be concluded that “Ready for Tourism” offers more than just work. This project focuses on the importance of service and regarding the positive tourism developments in Curaçao, tourism will have to be offered as a subject in schools in the future.
Denverick Nicolina is the new Junior Chef
During the “Ready for Tourism” event, the new Junior Chef was announced. The winner Denverick Nicolina from Zest Curaçao, together with the culinary team, will represent Curaçao at the ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ next year in Miami. Sharmiron Pinedo finished as second runner up. The fact that this competition was held during “Ready for Tourism” is no coincidence. This was a great opportunity for the applicants to take a look in the kitchen.
It’s also great to mention that for the first time in Caribbean history, a young chef of 13 years has participated in the Junior Chef competition. His name is Kizane Garmers and regardless of his young age, he has motivated all applicants with his cooking skills.
“Ready for Tourism” stands for a public-private partnership between MEO, SOAW and the local business community.
CHATA wants to thank Marnix College in Cas Cora and Coca Cola for making this event possible.For more information visit: www.klapaturismo.com
