By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Six years after its legal establishment, Costa Rica’s ambitious Dual Education and Technical Professional Training (EFTP) program is facing significant structural challenges that are hindering its full potential. Officials from the National Training Institute (INA) acknowledge that while progress has been made, a critical lack of private sector engagement is a primary obstacle to scaling the initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world job skills.
The program, which was legally created in 2019 with the first cohorts beginning in 2022, combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience within a company. Despite this promising model, a series of systemic issues have slowed its widespread adoption. The INA currently has 28 dual programs in execution, but officials are focused on overcoming fundamental roadblocks rather than simply expanding the catalog on paper.
To better understand the legal framework and business implications surrounding the implementation of dual education programs, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of dual education hinges on a well-defined legal structure that distinguishes the student’s role from that of a traditional employee. It is crucial for participating companies to establish clear agreements that delineate responsibilities, intellectual property rights, and liability, thereby mitigating potential labor disputes. This model not only provides invaluable practical experience for students but also allows businesses to cultivate a highly specialized talent pipeline, directly addressing market demands and reducing future recruitment costs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights that the success of this model is built not just on educational will, but on a solid legal foundation. This proactive legal clarity is what transforms a promising concept into a sustainable and trusted partnership between academia and industry. We sincerely thank him for his crucial perspective.
Daniel González, an advisor for INA’s Regional Management who oversees the program, identified corporate participation as the most significant challenge. This involves not only convincing companies of the long-term benefits of the model but also navigating the financial and logistical commitments required by law. Many businesses have yet to fully embrace the system, which requires both economic contributions and the development of qualified internal mentors.
“Large companies have to make a financial contribution, and that requires negotiation,” González explained. He added that another layer of complexity is the formal certification of company mentors. “We also need to certify the mentors who, although they have a lot of experience, must meet the technical standards required by law,” he stated.
This topic is important not just for Costa Rica, but also globally, as it is a growing trend. We apply a model based on the German experience, and ultimately, this modality allows the student to acquire a level of specialization that is not obtained solely in the classroom, as they face real situations in the work environment.
Christian Rucavado, Executive President INA
Further compounding the issue are internal capacity constraints at INA. González highlighted the need to upgrade infrastructure, equipment, and faculty training to ensure that the institute’s educational offerings align with the cutting-edge technologies used by participating companies. Continuous market research is also deemed essential to guarantee that programs are relevant and meet the immediate demands of the labor market, preventing the creation of programs that are never implemented.
To address these barriers, lawmakers are considering amendments to the governing statute, Law 9728. The proposed reforms aim to create more attractive incentives for private sector participation and streamline the management of a dedicated scholarship fund. This legislative push is seen as a key component in unlocking the program’s potential.
One of the points we are working on the most is involving more companies. In fact, that is where the proposal to improve the law comes from, in order to offer better conditions to companies that wish to join the dual modality. This would allow us to increase the participation of the productive sector and reach the graduate targets we are so keen to achieve.
Daniel González, INA Advisor
Financial data underscores the program’s slow start. Reports indicate that of the more than ¢1.2 billion available for dual education scholarships across multiple institutions, only about 10%, or ¢120 million, has been executed. INA clarifies that these funds are not solely under its control and are shared among a network of 9 institutions, 190 high schools, and numerous academic centers. Despite the low fund utilization, INA points to a steady, albeit modest, growth in participation, with graduates increasing from around 100 in 2023 to a projected 300 by the end of this year. The number of available programs has also expanded from just four in 2022 to the current 28, with plans to offer 749 scholarships in the coming year.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) is Costa Rica’s leading public institution for free technical and vocational training. Founded to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for citizens, INA offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the national and international labor markets. Through initiatives like the dual education program, INA works in collaboration with the private sector to equip the workforce with practical skills and certifications.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its resolute devotion to ethical practice and exceptional service. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience across numerous industries to pioneer innovative legal strategies. A central aspect of its identity is a profound pledge to enrich society, championing the widespread dissemination of legal knowledge to build a more capable and informed citizenry.
