Vocational training is adapted to modern times

Barcelona (ACN).- The Catalan Government approved today the decree that modifies the vocational training studies. The main objective is to foster vocational training by making it more adapted to the student and the industry needs; in other words, a more attractive vocational training, adapted to modern times. The decree presents a lot of different measures and many areas have been reformed; more emphasis on the English language learning, more connection with companies’ needs, more flexibility for the student to plan their studies and more freedom for the centres to specialise their offer.

The decree focuses on foreign language learning (mainly English), which will be mandatory in all the programmes. The language courses will adapt their contents to the student’s specialisation. It is expected thus that future technical workers will know the English language and thus will be more adapted to the global market with foreign companies, where internationalisation is a key factor for success.

Students will also find more flexibility, for instance to combine their studies with a job. They will have more tools to create their own timetables or study part-time. In addition, partially on-line programmes will be created and the students will also be able to follow programmes in zones with a low population density. The orientation service to provide career advice will be fostered.

The decree foresees vocational training as a broader concept, where the centres will be able to issue their own specialisation courses, previously approved by the Catalan Education Ministry. The objective is to make the courses more attractive, both to students and companies. In fact, the industry needs will be taken more into account, to offer courses focusing on giving a solution to those. The education centres will have a higher degree of autonomy to adapt their courses’ curriculum to their socio-economic environment. Innovation and new sectors will receive special attention.