Vocational Training in Spain. An alternative to university

Would you like to study and work in Spain?

If so, stay with us because what we are going to tell you interests you.

Today we are going to make the largest guide that you will find on the internet about the Vocational Training in Spain.

La Vocational training (also called FP) is a great alternative to university and thanks to this article you will discover why.

First of all, what is a FP?

Vocational Training is considered professional studies that are very close to the reality of the labor market. 

The music is taken from specialized and very practical studies that teach you a trade in a large number of sectors. 

In the article we will follow the following scheme of the Vocational Training in Spain.

• History of Vocational Training in Spain.
• Types of vocational training that exist in Spain.
• Professional FP families.
• Teaching modalities Vocational Training.
• Access tests.
• Vocational Training Modules in Valencia.
• Vocational Training for foreigners in Spain.
• Advantages of studying FP.

As you can see, a super complete and very informative article.

Perhaps you are wondering: "Why is there a section on FP in Valencia?".

Because our school is in this fantastic city: Hispania, escuela de español.

This detail is very important, since to make a module of Vocational training in Spain, it is necessary to know spanish.

In our face-to-face Spanish courses y online Spanish courses you will get a good level that will allow you master the appropriate level of Spanish to access FP in no time 🤗.

Having said that, do you want to delve into and learn all the ins and outs of Vocational Training in Spain?

Yeah? Well, let's give it!

History of Vocational Training in Spain 

La Professional Trainingl in Spain has its roots in a long history of evolution and transformation. 

Its development dates back to nineteenth century, when the first establishments arts and crafts schools in the country. 

These institutions sought to provide a practical education y BRAND to those young people who wanted to acquire technical and commercial skills.

However, it was in the decade 1960 when there was a significant boost in the structure of the Vocational Training in Spain. 

During this period, the Vocational Training Centers autumn and a structured system was established covering a wide variety of fields and specialties.

Over the years, vocational training in Spain has been updated to meet the changing demands of the labour market.

Collaboration has been strengthened between educational centers and companies, fostering the direct connection between the training and employment.

Types of Vocational Training in Spain

We analyze the types of FP that you can find in Spain. They are next.

Basic Vocational Training

La Basic Vocational Training It is the initial stage of vocational training and is aimed at students between the ages of 15 and 17 years that they have not finished the ESO (Compulsory Secondary School). 

This type of training prepares students to enter the workforce very basic level. 

It is advisable to continue their training a posteriori at higher levels of FP or at the university.

FP Intermediate Vocational Training

La Medium-grade vocational training offers two-year programs that grant a Mid-Grade Technician degree. 

These vocational training studies autumn provide more specialized training in a wide range of range of areas, from administration and commerce to computing, hospitality, electricity, beauticians, mechanics, etc.

In these FP students acquire skills and technical knowledge that allow them join the labor market or continue their training at a higher level.

FP Higher Level Vocational Training

¿What is a Higher Degree?

La Professional training of a superior level It is the most advanced level of vocational training and is taught over two years. 

Therefore, if you take a Medium FP + another Higher Degree Vocational Training, In total it will be 4 years.

At the end of a Higher VET, also known as FP2, you get the Higher Technician title in a specific discipline. 

The higher degrees in FP offer a focus very specialized and deep in areas such as business administration, tourism, computing, design, health, among others. 

The graduates in FP higher degrees have excellent job prospects.

FP Dual

La Dual Vocational Training in Spain combines training in the educational center with the Experience in a company. 

Students who choose the Dual FP They have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in a real work environment, giving them an added advantage in their preparation for professional life. 

This modality involves a greater number of hours of internships in companies.

FP Professional families

We come to the big question: What can be studied in a FP?

Well, today in Spain you can practically study all. 

We summarize what they are top professional families What are you going to find?

Physical and sports activities

This professional family focuses on professions that revolve around around sport such as physical education, sports management, personal training, sports animation and physical rehabilitation.

Administration and Management

These Vocational Training courses they focus on the Management and administration of companies.

can be studied Vocational Training degrees in Spain as an administrative assistant, office assistant, business administrator, receptionist, etc.

Agrarian

covers the agricultural and livestock sector. 

You can study degrees related to agriculture, livestock, gardening, oenology or environmental management.

Graphic arts

This professional family is dedicated to graphic arts and visual communication. Degrees such as graphic design, visual arts, editorial production, digital prepress, screen printing and bookbinding can be studied.

arts and crafts

Focuses on arts and craft activities. 

Modules related to ceramics, sculpture, painting, jewelry, goldsmithing, restoration of works of art and conservation of cultural heritage can be studied.

Trade and Marketing 

It is related to the trade, sale and promotion of products . 

There are studies for merchants, salespeople, stock management technicians, warehouse managers, marketing technicians, logistics operators, advertising technicians, and store managers, among others.

Building and Civil Works

Here you will study everything related to construction and architecture. 

Degrees related to technical architecture, topography, construction of structures and management of civil works can be studied.

Electricity and electronic

This professional family encompasses the fields of electricity and electronics. 

Cycles such as Industrial electronics, automation and control, telecommunications and electronic maintenance can be studied.

Energy and Water

Here you will see everything related to the production and distribution of energy and water. 

Degrees related to energy efficiency, water resource management and renewable energy can be studied.

Mechanical manufacturing

It is dedicated to manufacturing and machining of metal products. 

Degrees can be studied as a technician in machining processes, technician in forming processes, technician in assembly, technician in production planning, welding, etc.

Hostel and Tourism

It focuses on the sector of hotels, restaurants and tourism. 

Some related studies are: hotel management, restaurant management, cooking and gastronomy, restaurant services, tour guide and event management.

Personal image

This is professional training on the aesthetic and personal care. 

Some cycles that can be studied are: hairdressing, aesthetics, personal image consulting, professional makeup and therapeutic massage.

Sound and Vision

It focuses on the audiovisual and multimedia production. 

Some related degrees include: audiovisual and entertainment production, sound, lighting, photography and 3D animation.

Food industries

This professional family is dedicated to food production and processing. 

Some Vocational Training qualifications in Spain Within this category that can be studied are: food technology, bakery and confectionery, meat products elaboration, oenology and sommelier.

computer science and Communication

Do you want to make a VET in computing or related to computers? Brilliant!

You will find many types of computing: development of web and mobile applications, administration of computer systems, cybersecurity, design and development of video games, etc.

Instalation and maintenance

This professional family is dedicated to installation and maintenance of equipment and systems. 

Some degrees that can be studied are: electrical and automatic installations, industrial equipment maintenance, air conditioning and refrigeration, and building maintenance.

Wood, Furniture and Cork

It focuses on the transformation of the wood and furniture manufacturing. 

Some related degrees include: carpentry and joinery, furniture design, furniture restoration and woodcraft.

maritime fishing

This professional family is dedicated to maritime and fishing activity. 

Some modules that can be studied are: navigation and maritime transport, aquaculture, fishing and boat maintenance.

Chemicals 

It focuses on the chemistry and its applications. 

You can study degrees such as Industrial Chemistry, Quality Control and Analysis Laboratory, Environmental Chemistry, etc.

Health 

This professional family is dedicated to health field and healthcare. 

Some studies that you can find are: Nursing Auxiliary Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Higher Technician in Dietetics, Oral Hygiene, etc.

Security and environment

This is training on prevention of occupational hazards and environmental protection. 

Some related degrees are: occupational risk prevention, environment, forest management and emergency management.

Sociocultural and Community Services

It focuses on the care and help to people in different social contexts. 

Some degrees that can be studied are: social integration, sociocultural animation and community mediation.

Textile, Clothing and Leather

This is the FP of manufacturing and textile and fashion product design.

Here you will find modules such as fashion design, pattern making and clothing, textile design and printing techniques, leather goods and tanning.

Vehicle Transportation and Maintenance

This professional family focuses on the vehicle maintenance and repair. 

Some degrees that can be studied are: vehicle mechanics, vehicle electromechanics, bodywork, maintenance of electronic systems and automotive.

Glass and Ceramic

This professional family is dedicated to transformation and manipulation of glass and ceramics. 

Some of the related studies are glass and ceramic design, artistic glass manufacturing, artistic ceramics and industrial ceramics.

Teaching modalities Vocational Training

At the time of doing Professional Training in Spain, there are 4 different modalities.

We explain them to you!

On-site Vocational Training

The students physically attend classes and carry out practical activities in an educational center. 

This modality provides direct interaction with teachers and peers, encouraging group learning and the development of practical skills.

Blended Vocational Training

Students combine the face-to-face learning with distance learning. 

They attend classes at the educational center at certain times and the rest of the time they study independently using digital resources.

Distance Vocational Training

The students They do not have to physically attend classes, since they receive study materials, activities and evaluations remotely. 

In our remote VET they can study from anywhere and adapt their study schedule to their needs.

It is therefore about classes of Online Vocational Training in Spain. 

We have many centers Distance Vocational Training in Spain de a lot of quality, ideal for those who want to combine work with studies.

Vocational training through free tests

In this modality, students prepare for self-taught way and they take official exams that certify their knowledge and skills. 

It is not necessary to attend regular classes, since the evaluation focuses on the mastery of the contents.

Entrance exams to Vocational Training

What do you have to do to access the FP degrees?

Both for the Middle Grades and for the Higher Vocational Training Degrees, you have to do access tests. 

Below, we give you all the details.

Intermediate access tests

La Middle Grade access test is organized and managed by each Autonomous community. 

In the same school year, it is not allowed to take the entrance exams in more than one Autonomous Community.

If you pass the test, you can apply for a place in the training cycle of Medium Degree that you want.

The requirements to take the test are to have minimum 17 years or fulfill them in the year of completion of the same.

There are different ways to prepare for entrance exams:

• On your own: You can check the exam models from previous calls in your Autonomous Community.
• Doing a course: There are specific preparation courses for the entrance exams to the Intermediate Training Cycles. 

The entrance test It is the same for all cycles.

It focuses on the ESO basic skills (Compulsory Secondary Education) related to the fields of communication, social and scientific-technological.

Higher Grade access tests

Although slightly fewer, Higher Degree training cycles, the entrance tests are also managed by each Autonomous Community and in the same year you can only take the tests of one Community.

If you pass it, you will be able to access the Higher Degree modules what you want.

The requirements for degrees higher FP are the following:

• Be at least 19 years old in the year of completion of the same.
• Be 18 years old if you have a Vocational Training Technician Title related to the studies you wish to pursue.

To prepare for the tests, you can also study on your own with sample exams or by doing some Vocational Training course specific.

The entrance exam to higher level training cycles consists of Two parts. 

• La common part It evaluates knowledge in Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Foreign Language and official languages ​​of the Autonomous Communities. 
• La specific part Evaluate your knowledge in the professional field of the cycle you wish to access.

There is the possibility of getting partial exemptions of the specific test, that is, you do not have the obligation to do it. 

The most common exemption cases are:

• if you prove work experience of one year in the same professional field.
• If you have completed a Medium Level Training Cycle. 
• If you have passed the university entrance test for people over 25 years of age.

In any case, these exemptions may vary in each Autonomous Community, so we encourage you to investigate what the FP is like that you want to do.

You should know that the entrance exams to the Vocational Training for foreigners in Spain They may be a little different from those required for Spanish citizens.

Some Autonomous Communities may require the homologation or validation of the studies carried out in the country of origin, or they can request the accreditation of a determined level of knowledge of the Spanish language.

Therefore, it is advisable for foreign students to inform themselves directly. in the educational center where they want to study their FP.

The normal thing is that in all FP they ask for a Basic or intermediate level of Spanish.

Remember that if you come to Valencia you can learn Spanish with us at Hispania, escuela de español, and obtain your official title that accredits it with the DELE or SIELE exams.

If you are going to go to another Autonomous Community, nothing happens! You can also study with us through our Distance learning courses .

Vocational Training in Valencia

La Vocational training in the Valencian Community offers a wide range of opportunities and advantages For those who wish to study Vocational training.

We are going to focus on the city of Valencia.

The first thing you should know is that there is a wide variety de Vocational Training centers in Valencia that offer vocational training programs in different professional areas. 

From training cycles related to tourism and hospitality to computing, administration, design, communication... 

La Vocational Training offer in Valencia it is very extensive. Here you can study the training cycle you want!

both public Vocational Training centers in Valencia, in private centers, in Basic Vocational Training centers and in online schools.

Furthermore, the centers of VET in Valencia are characterized by offering quality training, with updated programs adapted to the needs of the labor market.

Valencia is a prosperous city in economic terms, with a large number of growing companies and sectors. 

Muchos Vocational Training centers in Valencia establish collaborations with local companies, which gives students the opportunity to perform professional internships and networking in the world of work.

In addition, there are also possibilities of getting Vocational Training scholarships in Valencia.

On the other hand, Valencia offers a excellent quality of life which foreign students love. Su Mediterranean climate pleasant, its beautiful beaches, the culture, a vibrant nightlife, its delicious gastronomy, the friendliness of its people... all this will make studying Vocational Training courses in Valencia is a unforgetable experience.

Vocational Training in Spain for foreigners

Is it really a good option? FP in Spain for foreign students?

The truth is that yes, it can be a excellent option for foreigners who wish to acquire practical skills and knowledge in a specific field.

Make a module Vocational Training in Spain nowadays can be very useful for work and personal experience of student. 

Many of the FP titles awarded in Spain have international recognition.

This can benefit you to find a good job here, in a Latin American country or even in your country.

Remember that Spanish is the second most demanded language all over the world, if in your CV you indicate that you have taken a FP in Spanish, it will surely attract attention and it will open many doors for you in the future.

Advantages of studying FP

Sometimes people think that university is the only way to study after school, but it is not true.

There are many advantages Why study in a vocational InstituteSometimes it even has more advantages than university. 

We tell you!

Degree official

Obtaining a Vocational Training degree grants a recognized official qualification At national and international level, which facilitates labor insertion both in the country and abroad.

High employability

Vocational training graduates usually have a high percentage of find employment related to his due to the practical and specialized training they receive. 

The VET programs are designed to meet the needs of the current labor market, that's why students they come out very prepared And it doesn't take long for them to find work.

Less years of study

Compared to a university degree, VET programs tend to have a shorter duration.

Instead of spending 4 years or more at university, VET students can earn a degree in 2 years. 

This allows them to enter the job market faster and start gain experience and money before.

Wide educational offer

As we have seen before, the Vocational Training courses in Spain they offer a wide range of educational options in different professional areas. 

You can practically find the study that is closest to your vocation and train in it.

Lower economic costs than a university degree

This is one of the great advantages Vocational Training compared to the university.

The economic costs of enrolling in a training cycle are much cheaper than those of a university degree.

Without a doubt, an advantage that for many will be important.

It is also possible to get a FP scholarship to do your studies.

Easier access to training

Unlike university entrance exams, Vocational Training usually has more entrance requirements. flexible, with a much easier tests.

Furthermore, VET cycles often offer different pathways, such as entrance tests, certificates of previous studies or related work experience.

And here is today's article!

With this article we have taken a tour of the most important aspects of Higher Education, a very interesting option if you want to develop your studies in Spain.

Did it help you?

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.

Good luck!

Article written by Carlos Martínez for Hispania, escuela de español.