Momentum and success: Dual System of Vocational Education and Training in Costa Rica

For almost three years now, young people in Costa Rica have been able to opt for dual vocational education and training. The initial dual VET training programmes of the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación Pública, MEP) and the Institute for Initial and Continuing Training (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje, INA) were launched at the start of 2022. GOVET collaborates with both partners on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Back in 2022, the first 34 trainees started their training with a total of seven companies in the specialisms of industrial electronics, web development and industrial servicing and maintenance.

Since then, there has been steady growth in the range of training courses offered and the number of trainees. By the end of 2024, the country had made significant progress in the implementation of its dual vocational education and training, as borne out by the figures:

• The INA is working with 99 companies and the MEP with 27.
• In total, 335 individuals have completed their training.
• Almost 200 people are currently involved in training.
   

The portfolio of training occupations was expanded in both institutions. At the start of 2025, the INA has 26 different programmes available and the MEP has eight to ten programmes. Not all, however, are automatically implemented as this depends on demand from companies and on the scope for implementation in training centres.

Both institutions are anticipating a significant rise in training numbers for 2025.

Training readiness – a challenge for the Dual System of Vocational Education and Training in Costa Rica

Persuading more companies to offer vocational training in the dual system still remains a challenge for Costa Rica. This is because vocational training in the dual system is a new and unknown topic for companies and involves uncertainty. Costs and investment are also seen as obstacles. To help counter doubts on the part of companies, it is important that information is provided in a targeted manner. Supporting networking with companies was therefore a priority of the bilateral cooperation in 2024.

Julia Olesen, GOVET, presented the experience from Germany at regional events for companies in Costa Rica, known as “Encuentros Empresariales”. She provided information in particular about the costs and benefits of vocational education and training to show that, for companies, vocational education and training in the dual system is worthwhile.

The events took place in Santa Cruz and Liberia (both in the province of Guanacaste), San Carlos (La Fortuna) and Puerto Limón (Huetar Norte Caribe) and were attended by a total of around 160 individuals, including those working in companies and within local VET structures.

A further measure for increasing company participation was workshops with organisations representing business interests such as the Cámara de Industrias, the Association of Free Trade Zones (AZOFRAS) and the Union of Chambers (UCCAEP). Julia Olesen not only introduced the dual model but also discussed programmes and current developments in vocational education and training and in the employment market.

A one-week study visit enabled a specific opportunity for the sharing of experiences in Germany. Taking part in August were eleven Costa Rican representatives from business and from private and public training institutions and two accompanying persons. Over the course of his two-day participation in the study visit, Antonio Lehmann Gutiérrez, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Germany, underlined that vocational training in the dual system formed part of Germany’s economic strength and welcomed the steps his country was taking in implementing dual VET.

Embassy participation shows the political importance of the bilateral cooperation

The regular participation by the embassies of both countries in 2024 also underlines the political importance of the bilateral cooperation for both countries. The German Ambassador, Daniel Kriener, took part in a business forum in Guanacaste and also attended a visit to WestIn Reserva Conchal organisation. The Deputy Ambassador who previously had also given her strong support to BMBF and GOVET projects was involved again in 2024, e.g. at a company event organised by the Union of Chambers, UCCAEP.

An exchange also took place in November, on the initiative of the Ambassador, with seven Costa Rican members of parliament of different parties focusing on the German-Costa Rican cooperation in vocational education and training and on planned reform projects.

Modern curriculum development as a basis for strong VET

In order to ensure skilled workers are trained as far as possible in line with specific company requirements, modern and high-quality training regulations are essential. As part of a study visit in May, eight Ministry of Education representatives from Costa Rica took a closer look at the issue. GOVET also invited the BMBF-funded CoRiCert project to an exchange during the study visit. The project involves the development and testing of models and instruments for the examination and certification of dual training courses in Costa Rica. Participants entered into discussion with BIBB experts on the regulatory work relating to a number of training occupations and gained insights into the training practice of companies in the Bonn region. The study visit followed on from a wide-ranging workshop held in November 2023 run by Julia Olesen together with Dr. Gert Zinke from BIBB. The study visit was worthwhile. Participants applied the knowledge gained in the creation of new curricula. They now structure these more flexibly in order to be able to better incorporate company-based processes and learning in the work process.

The success of the study visit can also be seen elsewhere. The development of an internal MEP advanced training programme originated from experience gained on the study visit. Participants are aiming to make a stronger case for dual vocational education and training within the MEP in order to reduce internal barriers. The virtual format enabled more than 200 individuals to be reached.

Qualified training personnel for the skilled workers of tomorrow

Qualified training personnel are a key success factor in vocational education and training and another main topic within the bilateral cooperation. A workshop on the training of training personnel took place at INA in November in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Julia Olesen explained the main features involved in the training of training personnel in Germany and in other countries and responded to questions from INA employees. In cooperation with the working group from the Vocational Education and Training Commission, GOVET has agreed that one focus for 2025 will be training the trainers.

Sustainability in Vocational Education and Training

Sustainability in Vocational Education and Training is another key topic in the cooperation. During the Costa Rican delegation’s visit in May, eight participants from the Ministry of Education completed a VET Chain workshop which then prompted reflection on the theme of sustainability in vocational education and training.

GOVET worked with national and international partners to produce a publication on the theme of sustainability in vocational education and training which was published at the end of 2024. The publication brings together a range of different perspectives provided by 22 authors from 11 countries. Authors from Costa Rica were also involved in the publication. The publication documents workshops, expert discussions and research work on the theme of sustainability in vocational education and training.

One article examines the change in the INA-wide strategy in relation to sustainability. The second article focuses on the impact of a national sustainability strategy on the work of the INA. Sustainability in Costa Rica is not only a high priority culturally and socially but, in line with this, is also taken into account in institutions