Spain expands Dual Vocational Training to address labor market skills gap

Spain is addressing the mismatch between youth unemployment and corporate labor demands through the expansion of Dual Vocational Training (FP dual). Under Organic Law 3/2022, the entire vocational training system has adopted a dual character, integrating classroom learning with practical experience in companies.

There are two primary training regimes: the general regime, which includes a company placement without an employment contract, and the intensive regime, which utilizes a training contract. Both models require a coordinated training plan and dual tutors from both the educational center and the company.

The initiative aims to combat a significant skills gap. While over 75% of companies report difficulties finding specific professional profiles, youth unemployment in Spain exceeds 23%. Currently, Spain possesses approximately half the technical profiles found in the European Union (22.9% compared to 44.3%). The training focuses on sectors such as industrial maintenance, automation, renewable energy, logistics, and socio-sanitary care to improve national competitiveness and employment opportunities.