Purpose: Recently, high-quality vocational education and training has attracted much attention in Mexico. In this context, more practically applied skills are taught "on a dual basis", combining classroom-based training with practical, on the job, training within the company. Dual practices are expected to modernize the skill formation system, and simultaneously support companies, while ensuring provision of skilled workers. For this reason, the Mexican vocational training system has been reformed in recent years. Hence, it is necessary for vocational schools and universities interact closely with companies in order to coordinate their activities. The aim of this paper is to examine the cooperation between learning venues of vocational education in the hotel industry in Cancún (Quintana Roo, Mexico), one of the most important tourism destinations in Latin America. By using this empirical case, the study contributes to research in vocational education and training about the principles that are necessary for successful cooperation between learning venues. This study thereby critically discusses the setting of common goals, communication between companies and training organizations, and governance. Method: In an exploratory approach and based on a qualitative framework, ten face-to-face expert and semi-structured interviews were conducted in Cancún. The interviews were then fully transcribed and evaluated using qualitative methods. The exploratory and qualitative study is complemented by further document analysis. Findings: The results show that for successful cooperation between learning venues, the coordination of a common goal (to secure the availability of skilled workers) between different actors, and communication between companies and educational organizations (vocational school/university), are particularly important for successful cooperation. Furthermore, it seems that companies are taking on a dominant role, so that vocational training organizations must be more in line with the wishes of the hotels. The results indicate that partnership-based action is not very obvious. Accordingly, the aspect of governance plays a subordinate role regarding the cooperation between hotels and educational organizations. Conclusion: There are general findings, which can also be useful for other regions. This study shows that learning venues cooperation are possible with both vocational schools and universities. In order for learning venues cooperation to be successful, certain principles are needed. However, these principles are related to the specificity of a region or a particular industry. © 2021 European Research Network Vocational Education and Training. All rights reserved.
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