Esther Monterrubio: "Spain has a Vocational Training Law that is at the forefront internationally"

Talent and Business Competitiveness

The Secretary General for Vocational Training, Esther Monterrubio, emphasized at the FP Emprèn Awards in Barcelona that the 2022 law places Spain "at the forefront internationally." She underscored the strategic importance of vocational training for economic development and its high rate of job placement.


Vocational training as a strategic pillar for economic development

The Secretary General for Vocational Training of Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes, Esther MonterrubioShe defended the current training model as a key element for the competitiveness of Spanish businesses. During her speech at the Entrepreneurial Night 2026, held this Thursday in Barcelona, Monterrubio He stated that Vocational Training (VT) is a "strategic element for the Government" due to its direct impact on both the economic development and the people's well-being.

In a dialogue held with Claudia y Alejandra Martín, two students from the intermediate level of performing arts of ITAEB de BarcelonaThe Secretary General framed the new legislation as a response to the demands of the current labor market. The event, which hosted the 17th edition of the FP Emprèn AwardsIt was organized by the Fundación BCN FP and served as a forum to analyze the evolution and future of these teachings.

A flexible model with a 90% job placement rate

One of the most relevant pieces of information provided by Esther Monterrubio It is the system's success in terms of employability. "We have involved companies and, together, we have achieved flexible, cumulative, and accredited vocational training, with insertion levels of around 90%“This achievement is based on the 2022 Vocational Training Law, which, in his words, “is at the forefront internationally.”

The regulation has introduced a modular offering that ranges from micro-training for skills updating to complete training cycles, facilitating the adaptation of professionals to the changing needs of the productive sectors. Monterrubio He also emphasized the inclusive nature of the model: "We experience Vocational Training with passion, with a different way of teaching based on practical experience, a different way of learning." He stressed that the new regulations have made it possible to "reduce barriers to entry and open up upward career paths without limits," concluding emphatically that "Vocational Training is inclusive par excellence».

Main Organizing Entities and Collaborators of the FP Emprèn 2026 Awards
Main Organizer Key Public Institutions Social and Business Agents
Fundación BCN FP Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona Activa, Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), Port de Barcelona UGT, Foment del Treball, PIMEC, Cambra de Comerç, Fundació ‘la Caixa’, Fundación Telefónica

Innovation and entrepreneurship in Vocational Training

The gala, held at the CaixaForum BarcelonaIt highlighted the innovative potential of vocational training students. More than [number missing] projects were submitted for the awards. 100 projects from 33 different centers, with more than 260 students involved in the final phase. The one itself Esther Monterrubio delivered the FPConsolida Award to the project RECYCLE, an application designed to gamify and promote recycling.

The event was well-attended by institutional representatives, reflecting the consensus surrounding the importance of vocational training. Among those present were Paco Ramos, labor secretary of the Generalitat de Catalunya; Francesc Roca, Secretary of Vocational Training of the Generalitat de Catalunya; Marta Rodríguez, CEO of the Fundación BCN FP; Ester Pujol, vice president of the Foundation; and Jesús Camas, Director of the Labor Market and Business Forecasting of Barcelona Activa.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new Vocational Training Law in Spain

How does the new vocational training law benefit Spanish companies?

The law facilitates companies' access to qualified talent tailored to their real needs. By integrating companies into the training process, it ensures that graduating professionals possess the required practical skills. Furthermore, micro-training allows for rapid updates (upskilling and reskilling) of existing templates, improving overall competitiveness.

What practical changes does the vocational training model introduce for the internationalization of an SME?

A workforce with robust and up-to-date professional training is a fundamental asset for competing in foreign markets. The new vocational training program equips workers with high-level technical and practical skills, resulting in higher quality products and services. This allows SMEs to meet international standards and differentiate themselves in a globalized environment.

Why is this vocational training model considered "at the forefront internationally"?

The Spanish model is pioneering because of its flexibilityby allowing personalized itineraries that combine training and work; its character cumulativewhere each training module counts and can be accredited; and its profound integration with the business fabricThis dual and modular approach surpasses the more rigid and traditional systems, aligning with the best practices of leading countries in technical training.

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