Exchange programme strengthens dual training in the hospitality sector: trainers from Costa Rica visit Germany
As part of the German-Costa Rican cooperation in vocational education and training, Enrique Mejía Céspedes from the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) visited Germany in July to exchange ideas with training staff in the hospitality sector.
Germany and Costa Rica have been working closely together in the field of vocational education and training since 2016. This cooperation is based on a joint declaration of intent between the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP). The German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training (GOVET) at the BIBB coordinates this cooperation on behalf of the BMBF. The aim is to establish and continuously develop a dual vocational training system in Costa Rica based on the German model over the long term.
A central component of this cooperation is study and exchange visits, such as the recent two-week visit by Enrique Mejía Céspedes, a trainer at the INA. During his stay, he visited various restaurants and hotels in Germany under the patronage of Hubertus Schultz. The focus was on professional exchange with experienced training staff and learners, particularly with regard to the dual programmes ‘Kitchen Assistant’ and ‘Service Assistant’ offered in Costa Rica.
‘For dual vocational education and training in Costa Rica, it is important that we trainers expand our skills – only then can we offer our students first-class training,’ emphasises Enrique Mejía Céspedes.
A decree introducing dual training has been in force in Costa Rica since 2018, followed by the Dual Vocational Training Act in 2019. Through GOVET, the BMBF supports the Costa Rican Vocational Education and Training Commission (CAP) in an advisory and operational capacity, for example through delegation trips, digital workshops and pilot projects.
The exchange between Enrique Mejía Céspedes and Hubertus Schultz came about through GOVET and the German Chefs' Association ‘Verband der Köche Deutschlands’. The association was previously a partner of GOVET in the German-Israeli cooking competition ‘We – Future Chefs’. Enrique visited the hotel ‘Schlosshotel Gedern’ for the first time in 2023, and a close relationship developed between the two trainers.
This form of exchange with Hubertus Schultz and his colleagues is of immeasurable value to me – professionally, in terms of vocational training and on a personal level. And my trainees also benefit from these international contacts, for example when we arrange virtual meetings with Hubertus for exchange and cooking.
Enrique Mejía Céspedes
There is also great enthusiasm on the German side:
Among chefs, it is an honour to visit each other and exchange ideas. I am involved in many international committees and I am thrilled when young chefs and trainers of the next generation literally pick up the spoon, get creative and represent our profession.
Hubertus Schultz
The experiences gained during the visit will now be incorporated into the further development of the ‘Kitchen Assistant’ and ‘Service Assistant’ programmes in Costa Rica. GOVET will continue to support this process with its expertise – in line with its commitment to sustainable and partnership-based international vocational training cooperation.