Costa Rica Launches DiVET-CR to Modernize Dual Professional Education
Costa Rica is overhauling its dual professional education system through DiVET-CR, a three-year international cooperation project that introduces a centralized digital platform, multimedia libraries, and artificial intelligence tools. The initiative connects vocational students, instructors, and corporate trainers across the country, backed by funding from the German Ministry of Education.
Consortium Partners and International Financing
The project runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The initiative is developed by an international consortium led by the Technical University of Darmstadt, with the participation of the University of Osnabrück and the UTN, alongside the collaboration of the MEP.
The initiative was formally presented at an official launch event hosted at the UTN campus. Attendees included Éva Feig, a representative of the German Federal Ministry of Education; William Rojas Meléndez, rector of the UTN; Pablo Masís, director of technical education and entrepreneurial capabilities at the MEP; Harol Vargas Ureña, national advisor and coordinator for dual technical vocational education; Robin Busse, German coordinator of the project from the Technical University of Darmstadt; and Daniel Láscarez Smith, vice rector of research and transfer at the UTN.
Platform Architecture and Artificial Intelligence Integration
The technical backbone of DiVET-CR relies on a Moodle-based digital platform hosted on MEP servers. This infrastructure brings together academic tracking, attendance logging, document management, and communication channels for educational institutions and corporate workplaces.
In addition to administrative management tools, the platform incorporates a multimedia library. It also deploys artificial intelligence features, including an interactive avatar designed to facilitate access to information and learning content.
Robin Busse, the German project coordinator from the Technical University of Darmstadt, described the initiative as an effort to build an integrated digital ecosystem supporting dual training in Costa Rica.
Expanding Formal Dual Education Since 2022
Costa Rica has implemented dual professional education formally since 2022 following the passage of national legislation, according to Pablo Masís of the MEP. The model pairs classroom instruction with practical training inside operating businesses.
William Rojas Meléndez, rector of the UTN, emphasized that the new digital ecosystem addresses modern manufacturing and technological demands. He noted that the project strengthens the university’s core technical focus to supply qualified talent to productive sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the DiVET-CR project operate?
The project spans a three-year execution window, starting on September 1, 2026, and concluding on August 31, 2029.
Who funds the digital ecosystem project?
The initiative receives its financial backing from the German Ministry of Education.
Which academic institutions lead the international consortium?
The international consortium is led by the Technical University of Darmstadt, with the participation of the University of Osnabrück and the UTN.