Procomer opens the Second Edition of the Incentives for Talent Development in Free Zone Companies in Costa Rica

The program has been designed to close training gaps

Procomer assured that this program aims to close the training and updating gaps in companies located in the free zone through co-financing that will allow them to cover the training needs of their collaborators – current and in the hiring process in areas of high demand for knowledge, digital skills aligned with the 4.0 revolution, specialized technical skills, among others.

The general manager of Procomer, Laura López Salazar, expressed:

” This program is one of Procomer’s efforts with which we seek to improve the employability profile of those who already work in free zone companies in Costa Rica and of possible candidates who wish to join this sector. Human talent is a fundamental pillar within Costa Rica’s value proposition; for this reason, with these tools, we seek to generate well-being for people and new investment and reinvestment opportunities for the country.”

Free zone companies in Cosa Rica interested in applying for their projects will have until June 28, 2024. To do so, they must enter the Human Talent section on the Procomer website, review the Operational Bases of the Second Edition (located at the end of the web page, in the activities section), and then enter the Project Application portal, where they must generate a user on the platform.

Likewise, people interested in scheduling an appointment to learn more about the project’s scope may do so by emailing csancheza@procomer.com with a copy to abarrientos@procomer.com.

The effort to upgrade talent in free zone companies in Costa Rica is a collaborative effort

Procomer officials highlighted that this initiative is the result of collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex), the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), the National Learning Institute (INA), and the Association of Free Trade Zone Companies of Costa Rica.

Over several decades, Costa Rica has strategically invested in its workforce to meet the needs of its growing manufacturing base through a combination of government initiatives and private sector efforts. The government has prioritized education, ensuring universal access to primary and secondary education, which has resulted in a literacy rate exceeding 97%. Additionally, investments in higher education have been substantial, with universities and technical institutes offering programs tailored to industry requirements. Institutions like the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) and the National Training Institute (INA) provide specialized training in engineering, electronics, and industrial maintenance, aligning their curricula with the demands of the manufacturing sector.

Government and private economic development agencies such as the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER)  and the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) have played pivotal roles in attracting multinational companies by identifying and addressing their specific skill requirements. These agencies facilitate partnerships between companies and educational institutions, ensuring that training programs are tailored to meet the needs of free zone efforts in Costa Rica. Establishing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) has further supported this initiative by providing incentives to attract foreign investment. These zones are often strategically located near educational institutions and training centers, fostering synergies between academia and industry and ensuring continuous training for the workforce to keep up with technological advancements and industry standards.

Private sector free zone companies in Costa Rica have also been instrumental in workforce development. Multinational companies like Intel, Boston Scientific, and Baxter invest heavily in employee training. They often collaborate with local universities and technical schools to design curricula that equip students with the necessary skills for modern manufacturing. Apprenticeship programs, internships, and on-the-job training help bridge the gap between education and employment. Public-private partnerships have created specialized training centers and programs, such as the TEC-Intelecto program, a collaboration between Intel and TEC that focuses on advanced engineering skills, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and updated with industry standards.

Free zone companies in Costa Rica engage in R&D

Additionally, free zone companies in Costa Rica emphasize research and development (R&D) as part of their workforce development strategy. They invest in R&D centers that drive innovation and serve as training grounds for employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This focus on innovation ensures that the workforce remains highly skilled and adaptable to new technologies and processes.

Overall, Costa Rica’s comprehensive approach to workforce development, encompassing government initiatives, private sector engagement, and strong educational foundations, has successfully created a talent pool in free zone companies in Costa Rica that is capable of meeting the needs of its manufacturing base. This collaborative model has facilitated sustained economic growth and positioned Costa Rica as a competitive player in the global market. The Second Edition of the Incentives for Talent Development in Free Zone Companies in Costa Rica continues this effort.