WILLEMSTAD – Expanding internship opportunities, improving practical training, and exploring the establishment of a new advisory council on the future of work will be among the central issues discussed during Curaçao's Education and Labor Market Follow-Up Conference on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS), will bring together representatives of educational institutions, government agencies, and the business community to examine how cooperation can improve students' preparation for employment.
One of the main objectives is to address the challenges students face in obtaining practical experience before entering the workforce.
The ministry considers internships and workplace-based education essential components of vocational training, particularly in sectors where employers require specific technical and professional skills.
Greater Role for Employers in Student Training
A significant portion of the conference will focus on the responsibilities of companies that provide practical training opportunities.
Participants will discuss the role of accredited training companies and workplace mentors in helping students develop the skills required for employment.
The discussions will also examine the quality of student supervision and the responsibilities shared by schools, employers, and government institutions.
According to the ministry, successful practical training depends not only on providing internship placements but also on ensuring that students receive appropriate guidance throughout their training.
Employers and educational institutions will therefore be encouraged to explore ways of improving coordination and strengthening the learning experience.
Another important issue is the development of professional attitudes and workplace behavior.
The ministry emphasizes that technical qualifications alone are not sufficient to guarantee a successful transition into employment.
Students must also develop a professional work ethic, responsible behavior, and the appropriate attitude toward their responsibilities in the workplace.
These qualities will receive particular attention during the conference as participants examine how educational programs can better prepare young people for professional environments.
SER to Present Proposal for Future of Work and Education Advisory Council
Another major item on the agenda will be a presentation by Curaçao's Social and Economic Council (SER).
The council will discuss the potential establishment of an Advisory Council for the Future of Work and Education, known by its Dutch abbreviation TWE.
The proposed body would focus on strengthening structured dialogue and policy advice concerning current and future developments in the labor market.
Its purpose would be to examine how economic changes, workforce requirements, and emerging employment trends should influence education and professional training.
According to the ministry, such a council could help ensure that decisions concerning education and employment are informed by ongoing consultation among relevant stakeholders.
However, the proposal remains under consideration, and its potential added value must first be evaluated.
Avoiding Overlap With Existing Advisory Structures
An important consideration will be how the proposed TWE council could operate alongside existing institutions.
The ministry specifically identifies the Education and Labor Market Council (ROA) as an organization whose current responsibilities must be taken into account.
Participants will therefore need to examine whether a new advisory structure would provide additional value without unnecessarily duplicating existing functions.
The discussion is expected to address the relationship between the proposed council and current mechanisms for consultation on education and labor market policy.
No final decision on the establishment, composition, or responsibilities of the proposed TWE council has been announced.
From Recommendations to Practical Results
The November 5 meeting follows the first Education and Labor Market Working Conference held in May 2026.
During that gathering, representatives from schools, businesses, and government institutions exchanged experiences and recommendations concerning the relationship between education and employment.
The follow-up conference will assess what has happened since those initial discussions and identify the next steps needed to turn recommendations into concrete actions.
The ministry hopes the process will lead to more effective cooperation with employers, better internship opportunities, and educational programs that respond more closely to the needs of Curaçao's economy.
The outcomes will also contribute to future policy development for vocational education at the VSBO, SBO, and HBO levels.
For the government, the broader objective is to establish a lasting partnership between education and the labor market, ensuring that young people are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical experience and professional skills necessary to build successful careers.