Teacher Qualification Demands in Costa Rican TVET: First Results of the Project CoRiVET

Abstract

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Costa Rica has received great attention due to the growing need for skilled labor in different sectors to diversify the economy and reduce social inequalities. In addition, the current level of unemployment, especially among young people, shows the importance of initial vocational training and draws attention not only to the political agenda but also to the ongoing discussion about the importance and role of teachers who train future professionals in Costa Rican TVET. Among other things, there is a need for qualified teachers who know the characteristics and specificities of TVET and can respond with pedagogical and didactic competencies. In this context, this article examines the role and importance of TVET for Costa Rica and its TVET teachers, taking as an example the bilateral project between Costa Rica and Germany entitled: Vocational Education and Training in Costa Rica (CoRiVET). Among the main conclusions is that the Costa Rican qualification for TVET teachers shows weaknesses in pedagogy and didactics to achieve system strengthening.