WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS) in Curaçao will host a major working conference on May 13 aimed at improving the connection between education and the labor market.
The conference, titled “Education & Labor Market in Dialogue,” will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott Curacao and forms part of the ministry’s policy program Mehorashon di Enseñansa 2025–2028.
According to the ministry, strengthening the link between education and employment is one of its main policy priorities. The event will bring together education leaders, government representatives, students, employers, unions, and other stakeholders to discuss how to better align training and education with labor market demands.
Preliminary research by the ministry found that many sectors still lack sufficient understanding of each other’s expectations and needs. This has contributed to a mismatch between what schools are teaching and what employers are looking for in the workforce.
The ministry said a process has already been underway at SBO level to update core competencies based on final attainment targets, but it became clear that closer collaboration with the labor market is essential for long-term improvement.
The conference aims to create a constructive dialogue between sectors, reduce misunderstandings, and build a shared vision for vocational and higher education.
A broad group of participants is expected, including representatives from government agencies, educational institutions, private companies, employer organizations, labor unions, and students from SBO and HBO programs.
Officials say the conference is expected to result in concrete action points, stronger cooperation, and a more structural approach to labor market challenges, while also promoting “brain gain” by better developing and retaining talent on the island.