Mediterranean Cooperation
The Secretary General for Vocational Training, Esther Monterrubio, presented at the Mediterranean TechSkills Forum in Cairo the Spanish strategy for regional cooperation that directly links training with the needs of the productive sector, highlighting the Dual Vocational Training model as a way to access real employment.
The Secretary General for Vocational Training of Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes, Esther Monterrubio, has proposed in the Mediterranean TechSkills Forum de El Cairo A new cooperation strategy. The objective is to directly and effectively connect training with the demands of the labor market in the Mediterranean region, seeking “tangible and measurable results”.
During the meeting, which brings together delegations from 11 countries, academic centers and companies under the motto 'The skills that drive the future', the Spanish representative stressed the need to move towards a model that guarantees the employability of young people and positions the Mediterranean as a hub for investment and talent.
Dual Vocational Training as the cornerstone of Mediterranean cooperation
The core of the Spanish proposal focuses on the implementation and strengthening of Dual Vocational Training. By MonterrubioThis model is essential to closing the gap between education and the business world. “When the productive sector gets involved, training ceases to be exclusively theoretical and becomes an effective way to access employment.”the secretary general said.
Along with Dual Vocational Training, the strategy presented is based on several fundamental pillars:
- Develop a modular skills catalogflexible and accumulative that adapts to market dynamics.
- Reinforce alliances between administrations, training centers and companies, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Strengthen the services of professional orientation to guide young talent towards the sectors with the highest demand.
Key proposals from Spain for the Mediterranean region
| Marriage Proposal | Strategic objective |
|---|---|
| Boost to Dual Vocational Training | Connecting theoretical training with practical experience in companies, guaranteeing a high employability rate. |
| Creation of a Mediterranean network of centers of excellence | To promote innovation and the exchange of good practices among the most innovative vocational training centers in the region. |
| Shared system of skills accreditation | Facilitating talent mobility and skills recognition among Mediterranean countries. |
| Launch of a Mediterranean Observatory of Competencies | Anticipating future talent needs in strategic sectors to guide training programs. |
A forum for talent and investment in the Mediterranean
El Mediterranean TechSkills Forum, co-organized by the governments of Italia y EgiptoIt is celebrated on June 5th and 6th in El CairoIts mission is to promote long-term regional cooperation between education systems, institutions and the private sector, consolidating the Mediterranean as a strategic area for investment in skills, innovation and youth empowerment.
The event boasts significant participation from approximately 120 high school students, 30 educational centers, 40 technology academies, and 40 applied technology schools, in addition to a notable presence of companies from key technology sectors, creating a direct bridge between education and employment.
Towards a Mediterranean alliance for digital skills
In the roundtables on digitalization, Esther Monterrubio has highlighted the urgency of adapting technological education to each productive sector and of investing in the Digital training for adults and vulnerable groups. It has also proposed the development of flexible and ongoing learning pathways that allow any professional to update their skills throughout their working life.
Looking ahead, the Secretary General proposed the creation of a regional alliance focused on skills development, talent promotion and digital transformation, which would be supported by the most innovative vocational training centers. “The Mediterranean has always been a space for exchange. Today we must consolidate it as a true sea of opportunities, where every talent finds its path and every learning experience has value, recognition, and future potential.”He said.
The forum will culminate with the signing of a Joint statement of intent to formalize international collaboration in education and technical training in the region.
Key points and frequently asked questions about cooperation in Vocational Training in the Mediterranean
How does this initiative affect Spanish companies with interests in the Mediterranean?
For Spanish companies operating in the region, this initiative represents a qualitative improvement in the available human capital. The standardization of skills and the focus on dual vocational training will facilitate the recruitment of qualified local personnel, reduce training costs, and improve the integration of their value chains with the markets of the southern Mediterranean.
What is Dual Vocational Training and why is it a key model?
Dual vocational training is a learning model that combines theoretical training in an educational center with paid practical training in a company. It is considered key because it ensures that the skills acquired by students are aligned with the real needs of the labor market, resulting in very high job placement rates and a smooth transition from the academic to the professional environment.
What does the creation of a Mediterranean network of centers of excellence in vocational training entail?
This network aims to create an ecosystem of innovation and educational quality. It will allow the most advanced centers of España and other countries share methodologies, develop joint projects, and establish quality standards recognized throughout the region. For companies, this means having access to talent trained under the same criteria of excellence, regardless of country of origin.
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