In March 2022, a national reform was approved in Spain under the Law 3/2022 Organization and Integration of Vocational Training. The text consolidates Vocational Training in a single system at the service of students and employed or unemployed workers. This new system will integrate the VET of the educational system and the VET for employment.
The Law establishes a unique, modular and flexible provision of Vocational Training. For the first time, it will be aimed at students and workers (both employed and unemployed). It is organized in training itineraries that allow progression through five ascending degrees:
- partial accreditation of competences (Grade A),
- Certificate of Professional Competence (Grade B),
- Certificate of Professionalism (Grade C),
- Training Cycles (Grade D), and
- Specialization Courses (Grade E).
Moreover, the entire offer in cycles of Grades C, D and E will have a dual aspect, which are:
- General Dual Vocational Training;
- Advanced Dual Vocational Training.
New management instruments under the reform
Thanks to this national reform, the law creates new management instruments for the new Vocational Training system:
- State Registry of Professional Training, which will allow any citizen to access it and obtain an updated training-professional life report with their training experience.
- Modular Catalogue of Professional Training, which will determine the professional modules linked to each of the competence standards.
- Catalogue of Professional Training Provision, which will determine the set of available training actions.
- Catalogue of Professional Competence Standards, which replaces the current National Catalogue of Professional Qualifications.
Regarding the accreditation of competencies, the new text also streamlines the system of accreditation of professional competencies acquired through work experience and non-formal training channels.
In conclusion, the Vocational Training Law regulates the relationship between Vocational Training and university education, promoting mutual recognition, such as higher education credits, to facilitate the establishment of training itineraries that recognize previously acquired training in both directions.
More information about the reform: Información sobre la nueva Ley de Formación Profesional | Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional (educacionyfp.gob.es)