The Sergio Alonso Foundation, in a strategic alliance with CaixaBank Dualiza, has transformed a classroom at the IES Faro de Maspalomas high school into a high-performance center for students in the Basic Vocational Training program for Hospitality. The workshop, held on March 13th, moved away from conventional theory to offer a direct, immersive experience in the trends currently shaping the tourism sector in southern Gran Canaria. The objective is clear: to professionalize the foundation of the workforce from the initial training stage to ensure generational renewal in the archipelago's main industry.
The training program stood out for its practical approach, featuring the expertise of Sara Solanas, who led a specialized barista workshop where students explored specialty coffee brewing techniques. Simultaneously, students in the Basic Vocational Training program for Services led a mixology workshop, demonstrating that modern cocktails are now an essential element in the culinary offerings of hotel complexes. These technical activities allow young people to acquire skills typically found only at higher levels of specialization, giving them an immediate competitive advantage.
The added value of this event came from professionals at the iconic Hotel Santa Catalina, who shared their business perspective on the fine hospitality industry. During their presentation, the experts explained the professional profiles and soft skills—such as attention to detail and problem-solving abilities—that are most valued in five-star establishments. This direct connection with the business world aims to inspire early careers and broaden future horizons for young people in San Bartolomé de Tirajana through the Dualiza Vocations project.
The Sergio Alonso Foundation's initiative underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in retaining local talent and raising service standards in Gran Canaria. By bringing the realities of luxury hotels closer to students in Basic Vocational Training programs, the gap between academic training and the actual demands of the market is bridged. The event concluded as a firm commitment to employability, demonstrating that the future of the Canary Islands' hospitality industry depends on training that is dynamic, accessible, and deeply connected to professional excellence.
