The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism revealed in Ponta Delgada that the Regional Government provides 1,200 vacancies in seven 35-hour courses on all islands for the training and requalification of human resources in the Tourism sector.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke during a visit to the Hotel and Tourism School, which is the main partner of this action, stressing that this measure "meets the current challenges of the sector" in an effort of several entities to qualify tourism-related occupations. It will further consolidate an increasingly important activity in the Region, without neglecting the existing plans for continuing training and requalification of the unemployed.
 
"More than talking about the importance of the qualification of human resources, we are promoting training to achieve all these goals," stressed the Secretary for Tourism. On the occasion, she added that this is "extremely important" for the Azores to be able to have "qualified products and a good service," so that those visiting the archipelago" have the desire to return."
 
According to Marta Guerreiro, this training plan is directed to all human resources, either unemployed or working in other areas of activity who wish to begin a career in tourism accommodation and catering companies or similar establishments.
 
Digital Marketing, Housekeeping, Basic Restaurant and Bar Waiting Techniques, Basic Kitchen Production Techniques, New Kitchen Techniques and Trends, Softskills - External Customer and Softskills - Internal Customer are the main areas covered by the courses, following a survey of needs conducted on all islands.
 
"We are guaranteeing more job opportunities and we are also ensuring that employment is increasingly qualified so that the tourism sector may have solid base to continue its promising path in the Azorean economy," the government official stressed, highlighting the Government's commitment to take concrete actions for the training of professionals in this sector.
 
"We have no doubts that, through qualification, we can increase the competitive power of the sector and guarantee the economic sustainability of the Destination," stated Marta Guerreiro. According to her, "it is fundamental to continue moving towards excellence with qualified and highly motivated people, making the experience of any visitor more enjoyable."
 
The Secretary for Tourism stated that some courses already started in 2018 on the islands of Flores and Graciosa. The course on Basic Restaurant and Bar Waiting Techniques starts this month on São Jorge and will be held on the remaining islands in two different periods: until mid-May and from October to December.
 
Further information is available at the address http://www.efth.com.pt/pt/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=410.