Bogotá is expanding opportunities for young people interested in a career in the culinary arts with a new, free training program. The Secretaría Distrital de Integración Social (SDIS), in partnership with Fundación Gastronomía Social Colombia, is now accepting applications for its Academia Ñam program, offering courses in restaurant service.
The initiative aims to equip individuals aged 18 to 30 with the skills needed to secure employment in hotels, restaurants and cafes across the city. This comes as Bogotá continues to emphasize gastronomy as a key driver of tourism, with nearly half of all visitors seeking a culinary experience during their stay, according to the Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT). The program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals and a desire to bolster the city’s competitive edge in the tourism sector.
The free training program, announced on February 25, 2026, will provide 90 hours of instruction. Applicants must be unemployed and actively seeking work, be able to attend in-person classes and practical training sessions, and ideally reside in the San Cristóbal locality of Bogotá. The application deadline is March 5, 2026, and interested candidates can apply through this online form: https://forms.gle/FHw3RfbuvmAZfU1Y9.
Program Details and Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to attend an introductory session on March 9, 2026, at the Centro de Desarrollo Comunitario La Victoria (Calle 37 Bis B Sur # 2 – 81 Este) in San Cristóbal, from 9:00 a.m. To 12:00 p.m. This session will kick off the comprehensive training program. The SDIS emphasizes that priority will be given to residents of San Cristóbal, reflecting a targeted effort to provide opportunities within specific communities.
The Academia Ñam program is part of a broader effort by the Bogotá city government to invest in its citizens and strengthen the local economy. The initiative aligns with the city’s strategy to position itself as a world-class tourist destination, recognizing the significant role that gastronomy plays in attracting visitors and generating revenue. According to IDT figures, 78.5% of tourists actively seek immersive and authentic experiences related to local culture, making culinary tourism a crucial component of the city’s appeal.
Gastronomy as a Tourism Driver
Bogotá’s focus on culinary tourism isn’t new. In September 2025, the city hosted the Summit Acodrés, where gastronomy was a central theme. Mexico was the guest country at the summit, providing a platform for exchanging ideas on preserving culinary traditions and professionalizing the sector. The event served as inspiration for strengthening Bogotá’s international culinary profile, according to a report from Bogota.gov.co. https://bogota.gov.co/mi-ciudad/desarrollo-economico/la-gastronomia-de-bogota-como-motor-de-turismo-summit-acodres-2025
The IDT was recognized at the Summit Acodrés for its contributions to positioning gastronomy as a tourist attraction. Katherine Eslava, Subdirectora de Desarrollo y Competitividad at the IDT, participated in a panel discussion highlighting advancements in culinary identity, immersive experiences, and the development of gastronomic corridors.
Expanding Access to Culinary Careers
This latest initiative builds on those efforts, aiming to create a pipeline of skilled workers for the growing hospitality industry. The SDIS and Fundación Gastronomía Social Colombia hope to empower young people with the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic sector. The program is part of the city’s broader “Bogotá, mi Ciudad, mi Casa” initiative, which focuses on improving the quality of life for residents and promoting economic development.
The city government encourages interested individuals to learn more about the Academia Ñam program and submit their applications before the March 5th deadline. Further information can be found on the SDIS website and through the provided application link. The program represents a significant investment in the future of Bogotá’s culinary scene and a commitment to providing opportunities for its young people.
The next step for applicants is to submit their forms by March 5th and, if selected, attend the mandatory induction session on March 9th. The SDIS will then begin the 90-hour training program, preparing a new generation of hospitality professionals for Bogotá’s thriving culinary landscape.
Have thoughts on this initiative? Share your comments below and spread the word about this opportunity!
