Free Web Dev and Gastronomy Classes in Cuenca — Enrollment Opens Mid-May

Want to learn web programming, gastronomy, or e-commerce without spending a dime? SECAP (Ecuador's public professional training service) is opening enrollment for its second phase of free courses in the Azuay region, starting right after May 14.

What's Available

Seven courses are on offer:

• Web Programming (also available virtually)
• E-Commerce
• Entrepreneurship (also available virtually)
• Gastronomy
• Computer Maintenance
• Basic Electricity
• Automotive Mechanics

Each course runs 60 hours, with in-person classes Monday through Friday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM — evening hours designed for people who have daytime commitments.

Who Can Enroll

There are eligibility requirements:

• You must not have formal employment
• Age brackets: 18-26 (any gender), women 18-64, or adults 45-64
• Register through the Encuentra Empleo platform at www.secap.gob.ec

You can also visit the physical office at Parque Industrial in Cuenca.

The Numbers

SECAP allocated 30,000 slots nationally and is targeting 90,000 beneficiaries by December 2026. Zone 6 — covering Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago — currently trains about 200 participants, with cohorts of 30-40 students each.

The first phase ran from mid-March through May 14. The second phase registration opens immediately after.

Worth It?

Absolutely — especially the web programming and e-commerce tracks. These are legitimate professional certifications, completely free, and the evening schedule works for people building skills alongside other commitments. If you or someone in your household qualifies, registration opens in less than a week.

Source: El Mercurio