Traditionally, Vocational Training (VET) has perhaps enjoyed less prestige compared to university studies. However, in recent years it has experienced a clear boom. The data speaks for itself: in 2021, Spain had 1,013,912 vocational training students, a figure substantially higher than the 751,507 enrolled in 2014, according to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

What could be the reason for this growth? Among other things, to the collusion between theoretical and practical training. And Dual FP combines both modalities simultaneously. In fact, the practical part represents, at a minimum (the maximum is not capped), 33% of the educational program and in many cases the students obtain financial compensation. At the end, the new graduates already have at least one year of experience and a degree approved at European level.

In terms of getting a job, the difference is clear. The Labor Insertion Statistics of Vocational Training Graduates, prepared by the Ministry of Education, reflects that Dual FP students have a significantly higher labor insertion rate than those enrolled in FP. This difference is noticeable both one year after finishing the training and four years later.

And the future looks even better. The Vocational Training Observatory reflects that 20.8% of job offers in Spain require a higher vocational training degree, while 15.9% do the same with the intermediate degree. By 2025, the figures will be higher at European level: 50% of jobs will require a medium qualification, according to the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training. “This model creates a learning ecosystem that favors the transition from the academic world to the working world and generates opportunities,” says Pilar Rojas, Culture and Diversity Manager at Repsol.

“There is talent in the FP and we look for it,” he says. An example of this is the 150 students that the multienergetica welcomes on average each year, mostly from degrees in Industrial Chemistry and Analysis Laboratory, who carry out their internships in the company’s industrial complexes and centers throughout Spain. Furthermore, “we must overcome the male stereotype of these training and professions, there are 38% of women enrolled in Dual Vocational Training, a figure that has increased by 13.1% compared to the previous year,” she points out.

In our country there are 162 Dual FP cycles. And the most important thing is that, in addition, many of them serve as a bridge to incorporate into the labor market people with qualifications updated to the energy transition in which Spain is immersed. The commitment to sustainability and decarbonization (which is something that goes beyond electrification) also has its translation in the new Dual study plans, which try to respond to an increasing demand for technicians and specialists. in these new jobs.

With a view to final integration, these are some of the jobs related to sustainability that those who attend Dual FP can occupy.

All of these professions show us something: Dual Vocational Training is not only clearly growing, but also offers job opportunities directly related to the energy transition. One figure is enough as essential data: 13% of the Next Generation Funds of the Transformation, Recovery and Resilience Plan, almost 9,000 million euros, will be allocated to improving education and strengthening Dual Vocational Training in the face of said transition. . The future is present and is already in the classrooms… and in companies.