Vocational training

Technical vocational training for young people in La Paz, El Alto and Tiquipaya

Brief description of the project 

In Bolivia, many young people complete secondary school without the practical skills needed for the job market or further vocational training. Although vocational education is part of the state education system, it often remains too theoretical, poorly equipped and inadequately linked to the labor market and higher technical training paths. Young people from low-income families are particularly affected.

The project works with 12 educational institutions (7 secondary schools and 5 technical institutes) in La Paz, El Alto and Cochabamba to make vocational training more practical and create clear transitions from school to training and work.

The project is based on three closely interlinked approaches:

• Shared training programs Students from general education schools are given access to practical courses through partnerships with vocational schools.
• Seamless educational transitions: Graduates of vocational secondary schools can continue their education at higher technical institutes, building on the skills they have already acquired.
• Learning in practice: Schools and institutes create practical learning spaces and offer internships, thus linking young people directly with companies and local value chains.

Overall, the project supports young people and young adults aged between 16 and 28 in successfully completing their training, developing skills relevant to the labor market and improving their income opportunities in the long term.

Project goals

• To enable young people and young adults to complete practical vocational training
• facilitate the transition from school to the labor market or self-employment
• to sustainably improve the income opportunities and living conditions of young people
• and to promote social participation and gender equality