Open Access

This position paper provides a detailed analysis of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) networks in Latin America, highlighting key challenges and proposing adaptable solutions for improvement. Through an extensive literature review and interviews with key stakeholders, eight main challenges are identified, including the lack of a common legal framework, need for mutual recognition of qualifications, and rapid globalization with the onset of Industry 4.0. This paper underscores these as the most pressing issues. To address these challenges, the paper suggests a roadmap not designed as a one-size-fits-all solution but as a flexible framework that can be adapted to the unique contexts of different countries and regions. Key suggestions include embracing diversity by utilizing it as a strength and a resource, defining clear roles and responsibilities for efficient network operations, enhancing transparency through effective communication, establishing close collaboration with industry stakeholders, advocating for mutual recognition of qualifications across the region, and ensuring the adaptability of the network to current and future trends.The paper strongly recommends: 1) establishing a regional common legal framework for VET, 2) fostering mutual recognition of qualifications across countries, and 3) working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that the VET curriculum remains relevant and adaptable to market needs. These recommendations are chiefly positioned within the areas of policy development, regional cooperation, and industry-academia collaboration. The paper showcases various real-life examples of successful VET initiatives worldwide, offering concrete demonstrations of the suggested pathways in action. The proposed solutions demand concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government institutions, industry partners, educational establishments, and individuals. By implementing these strategies, VET networks can situate themselves advantageously to address the future challenges of vocational education and training, thereby making substantial contributions to Latin America‘s socio-economic development. This position paper comprehensively explores the VET landscape in Latin America. It offers a practical roadmap to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of VET networks in the region.

Ziel des vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) geförderten Projekts ‚Y-Mas‘ ist es, neben der Entwicklung eines nachhaltigen Weiterbildungsangebots für das spanischsprachige Lateinamerika internationale Bildungsnetzwerke aufzubauen, um Zusammenarbeit und Wissenstransfer zwischen Bildungsanbietern, Unternehmen und Institutionen zu fördern. Das Projekt ‚Y-Mas‘ trägt dazu bei, Herausforderungen im Bereich der industriellen Produktion in Lateinamerika in einem Netzwerkansatz effektiver anzugehen und innovative Lösungsansätze mit internationalen Partnern zu entwickeln.