Tecnicatura is the term used in Latin America to refer to technical studies that are not university-type. It is a general term, since it is necessarily accompanied by a specific term. Thus, there are technical courses 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 is to train students to become qualified professionals. A relevant aspect is the combination of theory and practice in this type of discipline. Regarding the degree, whoever completes a technical degree has a university technical degree. It must be borne in mind 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 extend his training has two options: university studies (bachelor's degrees) or higher technical studies , that is to say, technicians. These are not two totally opposite paths, since upon finishing a technical degree a student has the possibility of joining a university degree.
A relevant issue in technical degrees 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 companies. This strategy is seen as necessary for a dual purpose: to make it easier for students to get a job and to make a connection between academia and the business world.
Study and work
Long ago, academic training was not in contact with the world of work. The studies emphasized the theoretical dimension and the practice was being acquired on a day-to-day basis in companies. This approach has changed in the last decades and, consequently, changes in the labor market end up conditioning the study plans of the technical courses. This question can be exemplified with the technique of video games. When the first video games appeared, it was 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 does not always apply: the need to associate work and academics.
Photo: iStock - Wavebreakmedia
