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Bars and Restaurants Are Turning to Hiring Venezuelan Immigrants to Fill More Than 1,500 Open Positions Due to a Shortage of Qualified Local Labor. The Rise in Tourism and the Lack of Skilled Professionals Drive This Trend, Which Promises to Transform the Landscape of the Food Sector in the State.
In the current scenario of the Espírito Santo, a trend has caught the attention of the bar and restaurant sector.
Local entrepreneurs are adopting innovative strategies to overcome challenges that directly affect customer service and the quality of offered services.
One such approach involves hiring professionals who bring diverse experiences and a remarkable willingness to work.
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The shortage of qualified labor has been a significant obstacle to the growth of the food sector in Espírito Santo.
According to the Union of Restaurants, Bars, and Similar Establishments of Espírito Santo (Sindbares), there are currently over 1,500 open positions in the state, especially for positions such as kitchen assistant, cook, waiter, and bartender.
To meet this demand, many establishments are turning to hiring Venezuelan immigrants.
A notable example is a bar in the capital that recently integrated dozens of Venezuelans into various roles.
Economic Scenario and Growing Demand
The increase in tourist flow during the holidays and the high season has boosted the revenues of bars and restaurants across the country.
According to the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), a rise of up to 15% is expected in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
To meet this growing demand, many companies need to expand their teams.
However, 89% of Brazilian entrepreneurs in the sector find it “difficult” or “very difficult” to fill open positions with qualified candidates.
Challenges in Hiring Local Labor
In Espírito Santo, the lack of qualified local labor has been a constant concern for entrepreneurs over the past three years. Rodrigo Vervloet, president of Sindbares, highlights:
“There is a huge gap between the supply of labor and the needs of the sector. This lack of labor makes it overall difficult for the growth of the bar and restaurant sector, limiting the capacity for expansion and new investments. Today, we count more than 1,500 open positions throughout the state”.
The difficulties are particularly evident in positions such as kitchen assistant, cook, waiter, and bartender.
Investment in Professional Qualification
To address the labor shortage issue, Sindbares has been investing in professional qualification in partnership with institutions such as Senac, offering courses and training for professionals in the sector.
Vervloet emphasizes: “It is a sector that, by nature, employs a lot. These vocational courses have been fundamental, but we still have a significant deficit, even blocking major investments due to a lack of labor. The big challenge is to overcome informality”.
The Contribution of Venezuelan Immigrants
Faced with the difficulty of finding qualified local professionals, many establishments are hiring Venezuelan immigrants to meet the demand.
These workers have shown a willingness to work in different roles in the kitchen and in customer service.
The integration of these professionals not only helps fill open positions but also enriches the work environment with cultural diversity and new perspectives.
Future Perspectives for the Sector
The hiring of Venezuelan immigrants has proven to be an effective solution to address the lack of labor in the bar and restaurant sector of Espírito Santo.
However, it is essential for entrepreneurs to continue investing in professional qualification and to seek strategies to attract and retain local talents.
The combination of a diverse and well-trained workforce is essential to ensure sustainable growth and excellence in customer service.
According to experts, the shortage of qualified labor in the bar and restaurant sector of Espírito Santo represents a significant challenge for local entrepreneurs.
The hiring of Venezuelan immigrants has been a viable alternative to meet the demand for professionals, especially in positions such as kitchen assistant, cook, waiter, and bartender.
However, it is crucial for the sector to continue investing in professional qualification and to develop strategies to attract and retain talents, thus ensuring sustainable growth and maintaining the quality of provided services.
Quero uma oportunidade
Gostaria de participar do quadro de colaboradores. Mesmo porque estou desempregado .
Eu gostaria de uma vaga