De la teoría a la práctica: una experiencia de formación dual en la Escuela de Secretariado Profesional en el periodo 2005-2023

Dual education is presented as an innovative response to the demandsof today’s labor market, which seeks highly skilled professionals. Thissystematization experience article analyzes, through an inductive processbased on observation and the experiences of the actors, the theoreticalfoundations of the ESP-UNA Dual Vocational Training Project. This projectrequires constant pedagogical updating and links learning with the world ofwork, proposing itself as an adaptable model for higher education in CostaRica. The systematization of the project’s experience demonstrates itssuccess at ESP, as it bridges academic theory with professional practicethrough strategic partnerships with public and private sector companies.This methodology allows higher education students to develop technicalcompetencies, soft skills, and immediate knowledge, promoting a successfulentry into the labor market. The results highlight the relevanceof dual education for students, who acquire meaningful and relevantlearning, for companies, which benefit from highly qualified future employees,and underscores the positive impact of dual vocational trainingon the economic and social development of the country by fostering theformation of critical professionals committed to society.