Workers in the tourism sector will have access to courses through INEFOP
The National Institute of Employment and Professional Training (INEFOP) and the Ministry of Tourism, together with the Single Union of Gastronomic and Hotel Workers of Uruguay and the Chamber of Tourism of Uruguay, presented the fourth edition of training actions for workers in the sector. The courses are aimed at both seasonal and permanent employees, whether they are employed or benefiting from unemployment insurance.
On this occasion, an agreement was also signed between INEFOP and CAMTUR for the creation of the Business Talent Network in the tourism sector, with the aim of improving the competitiveness and internationalization of companies through sustained investment in attraction, development and staff attractions.
In his speech, Minister Sanguinetti stressed the importance of training in the tourism sector, in order to professionalize workers, improve their training paths and influence better service. He added that young people who are beginning their working life are especially invited to take these courses to establish themselves in the sector.
He also stated that employment in the sector reached 124,893 jobs in 2023, exceeding the levels of 2019 and that, according to data from UN Tourism, for every person working directly in the sector there are between three and four indirect jobs.
“We understand that the quality of tourist service depends not only on tourist destinations, but also on the knowledge and skills of those who work in the sector on a daily basis,” he said.
Darscht, for his part, explained that the courses will begin in August in various parts of the country, and will be linked to areas such as tourism, gastronomy, hospitality and related areas, such as, for example, local heritage management, event organization, concepts and techniques for hotel reception and cooking, among others. He added that they are aimed at workers in the sector, both seasonal and permanent, whether they are currently employed or on unemployment insurance.
These opportunities are essential for people who want to work in tourism to strengthen their skills and knowledge, she said, adding that the sector is one of the country’s main employers, with more than 80% of women and a continuous generation of opportunities for young people.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the courses have been held. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 4,000 training activities were carried out, reaching 3,800 people. 73% of the participants completed the courses offered by 28 entities, of which more than 80% were dedicated to gastronomy and hospitality, and the majority of the participants were women between 20 and 50 years old.
Regarding the agreement signed with CAMTUR by the Business Talent Network, he explained that the purpose is to plan relevant training and subsidize part of the training, especially those aimed at MSMEs.
Pérez, meanwhile, highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector after the pandemic and the capacity for coordinated work between the union, the chamber and the Executive Branch.
“There is a commitment here to continue training and build an educational path that allows for richer work experiences,” he concluded.
