Alignment between technical education curricula and labor market needs: A systematic literature review
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Abstract
The study aimed to synthesize recent scientific evidence on the alignment between technical education curricula and labor market needs by reviewing research published in the last five years. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using searches in Scopus, SciELO, and Dialnet. Inclusion criteria were applied based on thematic relevance, full-text availability, and methodological approach, ultimately selecting 18 articles for analysis. The information was organized using comparative matrices that allowed for the examination of curricular approaches, required competencies, and their correspondence with labor market demands. The results showed that the alignment between technical training and the labor market was partial. Some studies demonstrated improvements when theory and practice were integrated, technological resources were incorporated, or digital and transversal skills were strengthened. However, significant gaps were also documented, such as low employer participation in curriculum design, deficits in soft skills, and mismatches between education and employment, noting that only a limited proportion of graduates managed to find work in fields related to their specialization. In conclusion, the review indicated that moving toward greater educational relevance requires continuous updating, effective collaboration with the productive sectors, and the development of technical, digital, and transversal skills aligned with the transformations of contemporary employment
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