Sometimes, there are circumstances that cause a young person to drop out prematurely, without completing the compulsory stage. The lack of motivation, little interest in the subjects or thinking that what is studied is not useful for the world of work causes educational dropout in Spain to be the highest in the European Union, standing at 17.3%.
In order to try to redirect the situation, and ensure that these students extend their educational trajectory, the Department of Education has the Training and Insertion Programs (PFI). The PFIs are aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 21 who have not completed Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO). These studies correspond to the first level of qualification within Vocational Training studies and, together with Basic Vocational Training, are a commitment to fight against school dropout.
This year, the Department of Education of the Generalitat presents at its stand in the Saló de l’Ensenyament the expansion of the offer of Training and Insertion Programs (PFI), with six new options for the next academic year, in which a total of 46 different profiles to encourage more young people to return to the classroom.
Among the new profiles planned we find those of IT and digital production assistant; Business, marketing and events assistant and Assistant to support people in social sports activities. The Training and Insertion Program for Sustainable Operations Assistant in industry and the agricultural environment and the Personal Image Assistant (aesthetics) in the Personal Image family will also be taught.
Another novelty presented by the Department of Education is the implementation of Professional Certificates (CP) in all Vocational Training Institutes in Catalonia starting next year. In this way, the pilot plan that has been deployed in the last three years to provide certificates in vocational training centers of the educational system in territories where certain specialties demanded by the productive fabric could not be studied is extended.
Traditionally, this type of education to obtain a Certificate of Professionalism was given exclusively in the centers of the Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) or through collaborating entities.
Professional Certificates accredit professional skills and guarantee that the person who obtains them has the knowledge, skills and aptitudes to carry out a work activity in accordance with the demands of the labor market. It is an official degree that can be taken throughout the year and includes a practical training module in workplaces.
With regard to adult training, in the 2023-2024 academic year, more than half of the adult training centers in the public network of the Department of Education will offer blended learning to make their educational offer more flexible and facilitate access from population to training.
