Madrid, July 20, 2023.
With the highest youth unemployment rate in the euro zone, the response of the main political parties in terms of Vocational Training needs to be more solid and effective. The main political parties for the upcoming 23J elections agree on the need to offer new qualifications that are aligned with the demands of the labor market and promote micro-training
Within the framework of the upcoming 23J elections, the proposals of the main political parties, according to surveys, in relation to Vocational Training, have been the subject of analysis and evaluation by FP Pro, an educational institution specialized in this field. Through a detailed examination of the different proposals of the PSOE, PP, Sumar and Vox, FP Pro highlights both the positive elements and the shortcomings that they have identified in the programs of the main parties. It must be borne in mind that Vocational Training is positioned as a key tool to address one of the most pressing challenges of Spanish society: youth unemployment. With a youth unemployment rate that continues to be the highest in the euro zone, reaching a worrying difference of 16.9 percentage points compared to other age groups, it is clear that a solid and effective response is needed from the political parties. In general terms, FP Pro points out that all the parties agree on the need to offer new qualifications that are aligned with the demands of the labor market and to promote lifelong training through micro-training. Likewise, they highlight the importance of expanding the number of VT places and strengthening the internationalization of this type of education, as well as the implementation of the dual modality, which has shown to have high rates of labor insertion. However, FP Pro has also identified some deficiencies in the proposals of the political parties. First of all, greater clarity is lacking regarding the offer of new specialties, especially in terms of the processes that will be followed for their implementation and updating according to market demands. FP Pro proposes that micro-trainings play a leading role in this aspect, due to their flexibility and adaptability. Another aspect that is not mentioned in the proposals is the implementation of a scholarship system that allows students to choose training centers, as a way of expediting and expanding the offer of places in a more efficient and economical way. In addition, the lack of detail on the application of the dual modality in all areas of vocational training stands out, since there are areas where there is not enough business fabric to support this type of teaching. Teacher training is another point that FP Pro considers should be addressed more precisely, establishing minimum and mandatory criteria for training centers, as well as a regulation of teaching powers and workloads. In addition, it is proposed that the competency accreditation process be carried out from the FP centers themselves, linking it to the enrollment of the candidates and allowing a more fluid training. Finally, the lack of mention of the process of recognition of equivalences and validation through the National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL) stands out, a key aspect to expedite the access of those people who already have complete professional certificates to the corresponding training cycles. In conclusion, FP Pro values ??positively It is important that political parties emphasize Vocational Training and work on specific lines of action for this educational stage. However, it urges the administration to listen to the training centers, considering them as co-responsible for the training of professionals, together with the companies. Facing youth unemployment and other challenges, such as overqualification, is urgent in Spain. With an alarming youth unemployment rate and a job market that demands highly trained professionals, Vocational Training emerges as the solution to both problems. Political parties need to understand the urgency of strengthening and promoting VT, both in terms of investment and educational policies. Only through a strategic focus on Vocational Training and the creation of real employment opportunities for young people, will we be able to move towards a more prosperous and equitable society. It is time to harness the transformative potential of VET and ensure that no young person is left behind in their search for a promising future of work.
Contact Contact name: FP Pro Contact description: FP Pro Contact telephone number: 919039496
