Revolution in Spanish Education: The New Vocational Training Law

In a significant overhaul of the Spanish education system, the country is implementing a series of reforms aimed at enhancing vocational education and training. These changes, part of the Vocational Training Law enacted in 2022, are set to transform the way students learn and prepare for the workforce.

Dual Training System

At the heart of these reforms is the introduction of a dual training system, which will be fully implemented by the 2024/25 school year. This system, outlined in four new Royal Decrees (498/2024, 499/2024, 500/2024, and 497/2024), ensures that students in Intermediate and Advanced Vocational Education, as well as those in vocational education masters with internships, will spend their first year in a dual learning environment. This means students will split their time between school and enterprises, gaining practical experience from the outset.

By September 2024, the traditional Vocational Module in Training at Workplaces, which currently takes place in the last term of the second school year, will be phased out. Instead, students will engage in either general or intensive dual training modalities, depending on the time spent in companies and the learning outcomes achieved.

New Core Modules and Elective Subjects

The new system also introduces core modules tailored to the current economy. Students will now study modules such as Digitalization Applied to the Production System, Sustainability Adapted to the Production System, Technical English, and Personal Skills for Employability I and II. For the first time, elective subjects will be available in Vocational Education, offering students more flexibility and specialization options.

Innovative Learning Projects

To enhance practical learning, the Intermodule Project will be implemented at Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. This project involves teachers presenting challenge-based assignments that simulate real-world production scenarios, helping students apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

Skills Evaluation and Certification

The reforms include a focus on evaluating and certifying skills acquired through work experience and non-formal training routes. This ensures that students' practical skills are recognized and valued, aligning with the broader goal of making vocational training more relevant and effective.

Entrepreneurship and Bilingual Training

Other key initiatives include the creation of entrepreneurship classrooms in Vocational Education and the introduction of bilingual training cycles for intermediate and advanced levels, as well as specialization courses. These changes are designed to foster entrepreneurial spirit and enhance language skills, making Spanish students more competitive in the global job market.

Integration with the Spanish Qualifications Framework

The reforms are also aligned with the new Spanish Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (MECU), established by Royal Decree 272/2022. This framework aims to integrate and classify all officially accredited qualifications, ensuring transparency, comparability, and mobility within the European and international labor markets.

These comprehensive reforms mark a significant shift in Spanish education, focusing on practical skills, dual training, and adaptability to the modern economy. For expats in Spain, these changes highlight the country's commitment to providing high-quality, relevant education that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.