# Spain adult education and vocational training trends

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spain-adult-education-and-vocational-training-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-18T07:18:56.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Reports indicate that Spain’s adult education participation rates in formal and non-formal categories exceed European Union averages. Specifically, 8.9% of the Spanish population aged 25 to 69 engages in formal education, compared to the EU average of 5.7%, while non-formal participation stands at 42.6% against an EU average of 41%.

Despite these figures, gaps remain in informal learning and corporate investment. Spanish companies reportedly invest three times less in employee training than the European average. To address labor market mismatches and a shortage of technical profiles, Spain is expanding its Dual Vocational Training (FP dual) system. Under Organic Law 3/2022, this system integrates classroom learning with practical company experience through general and intensive training regimes. The initiative seeks to combat youth unemployment and a skills gap in sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, and automation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Spain expands Dual Vocational Training to address labor market skills gap

Spain is utilizing Dual Vocational Training to bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and the technical skills shortage currently facing Spanish companies and the broader European market.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-expands-dual-vocational-training-to-address-labor-market-skills-gap

### 2026-10-13: Spain exceeds EU averages in adult education participation

Spain exceeds EU averages in formal and non-formal adult education, but companies invest three times less in worker training than the European average.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-exceeds-eu-averages-in-adult-education-participation

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Cite as: Spain adult education and vocational training trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spain-adult-education-and-vocational-training-trends