The Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and the two employers' associations most linked to tourism, Asolan and Aetur, have joined the demands of the IES Zonzamas to demand a Vocational Training "adequate and adapted" to the current needs of Lanzarote.
Together, they have formally and in writing requested the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands the re-implementation of the higher cycle of Tourist Accommodation Management, which was eliminated in 2009, and the implementation of new cycles in bakery, pastry and confectionery.
The IES Zonzamas has explained "the enormous interest" of the students who request this type of training where there is job offer. Likewise, according to the Chamber of Commerce, "the educational center has the infrastructure and the necessary means to teach this cycle, since it currently has excellent kitchen facilities and it would not be necessary to make any investment."
For its part, the business sector warns of the need to train specialists in the management of tourist accommodation, "due to the existing job offer and the changes that have occurred in recent years in hotel marketing processes." In their request, they argue the convenience of implementing these training cycles in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, where "an important sector of the population is being condemned who cannot improve their employment situation due to the lack of training opportunities," the letter says.
The hotel and non-hotel sector in the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote is one of the best prospects, but, according to employers, "there is a low professional qualification", so they consider that this is a "essential and urgent" decision.
Innovative subjects
The Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote has been working for some time in collaboration with the Vice-Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands, headed by Manuela Armas, to adapt Vocational Training studies on the island to the real demand for qualified workers and achieve innovative specialties in which Lanzarote and the Canary Islands can become, without effort, an international benchmark.
In this sense, the Chamber of Commerce, Asolan and Aetur are committed to subjects that have historically been linked to the island, such as those related to water (water desalination, nautical-sports activities and aquaculture), those that have to do with the traditional agriculture of the island (vineyards and oenology, cochineal and cosmetics) and everything that is especially related to the transformation of local raw materials.
They also propose innovative subjects that adapt "perfectly" to the conditions of natural wealth and opportunities offered by Lanzarote, such as renewable energies, waste management, home automation or international trade, "in which we are strategically positioned with Africa".
"It is not only about meeting the new demand for professionals but also about anticipating it and with a defined objective, moving in a direction that guarantees the future for professionals, but also guarantees an innovative projection of activities complementary to tourism," they conclude from the Chamber.