Tecnicatura is the term used in Latin America to refer to technical studies that are not of a university type. It is a general term, since it is necessarily accompanied by a specific term. Thus, there are technical degrees related to very diverse academic disciplines: computing, safety and hygiene, tourism, human resources, gastronomy, cultural management, environmental management and a large number of areas.
General features
The approach of the technical courses consists of training students to become qualified professionals. A relevant aspect is the combination of theory and practice in this type of discipline. As for the degree, whoever completes a technical degree has a university technical undergraduate degree. It must be taken into account that in the educational system of most Latin American countries, primary and secondary education is compulsory and when this period ends, the student who wishes to continue their training has two options: university studies (degrees) or higher technical studies. , that is, techniques. These are not two completely opposite paths, since upon finishing a technical degree a student has the possibility of joining a university degree.
A relevant issue in technical courses is their connection with the labor market in each sector. In this sense, the practices that are carried out are oriented to the daily reality of the companies. This strategy is considered necessary for a double purpose: to make it easier for students to get a job and for there to be a connection between the academic world and the business world.
Study and work
Some time ago, academic training was not in contact with the world of work. The studies emphasized the theoretical dimension and the practice was acquired on a day-to-day basis in companies. This focus has changed in recent decades and, consequently, changes in the labor market end up conditioning the study plans of technical degrees. This question can be exemplified with the technique of video games. When the first video games appeared, they were just entertainment.
However, it soon became a global phenomenon that moves large amounts of money and at the same time requires highly qualified professionals. This change has created the need to create a specific technique for the video game industry. This example helps us to remember an idea that is not always applied: the need to associate work and academics.
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