SECAP Opens 30,000 Free Virtual Training Spots Across Ecuador

Ecuador's public training agency has opened a new round of free online courses that may be useful for residents looking to build job skills or local credentials.

El Universo reports that the Servicio Ecuatoriano de Capacitacion Profesional (SECAP) enabled 30,000 free spots for virtual courses under the national Compromiso por el Empleo program.

What Is Available

According to El Universo, the courses last 60 to 90 hours and cover areas including:

• Entrepreneurship
• E-commerce
• Web programming
• Gastronomy
• Computer maintenance
• Basic electricity
• Auto mechanics

The courses are virtual. El Universo reports that people without internet or a computer at home may use SECAP laboratories to connect and complete academic activities, and that the platform remains available 24 hours a day.

How Registration Works

El Universo reports that applicants should enter the Ministry of Labor's Encuentra Empleo platform, create an account or log in, and choose Capacitate en linea. The process is free, and the report says there is no limit on enrollments per person.

The listed requirements are specific: applicants must be 18 to 25 years old, not affiliated with IESS, and registered on Encuentra Empleo. For women, the permitted age range is 45 to 64 years.

What This Means For Expats

This is most relevant if you, your spouse, your household staff, or a local employee needs a formal training certificate. Foreign residents should read the eligibility rules carefully before assuming they qualify, especially the IESS and age requirements.

Source: El Universo