FPEmpresa Reaches 700 Member Centres
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FPEmpresa Reaches 700 Member Centres

The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa, has reached a total of 700 member centres after 13 years of activity. Founded in 2012, FPEmpresa now forms a network of educational centres with representation in all Spanish Autonomous Communities, with the aim of promoting Vocational Education and Training (VET). Over the years, the Association’s activities and partnerships have increased, establishing close relationships with various companies and public entities, and becoming part of international organizations such as EfVET and WFCP. These alliances strengthen FPEmpresa’s commitment to advancing VET, fostering collaboration, and encouraging the exchange of experiences and best practices.

“It is a source of pride for all of us to have reached 700 member centres,” said Luis García, President of the Association. “For an organization like ours, whose goal is to position VET as a first-choice pathway, it’s very important that our voice is supported by an ever-growing number of centres,” he stated. He also emphasized that “with this number of affiliated centres, our relevance as drivers and spokespersons for VET becomes clear, along with the shared belief in the importance of working together to go further.”

With this growth, FPEmpresa has consolidated itself as a meeting point for VET centres, companies, and students, and was awarded the Placa de Honor de la Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio in 2019 by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

Activities and Initiatives to Promote VET

The growth in membership can largely be attributed to the wide variety of activities and initiatives in which the Association actively participates. Among these are calls for innovation projects and VET-oriented initiatives launched in collaboration with CaixaBank Dualiza. This year, the 7th edition of the Ayudas Dualiza has allocated over €400,000 to educational centres. Similarly, Dualiza Orienta has developed workshops, experiences, and activities that encourage creativity and promote the opportunities offered by vocational training.

In partnership with Grupo Esprinet, FPEmpresa also runs the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento, which highlight female talent in VET programs where women are underrepresented. The Association also delivers training on sustainability in collaboration with Innogestiona, and fosters collaboration among centres through the ‘Escuelas que Inspiran’ project with Fundación Exe. Additionally, FPEmpresa is part of Alianza por la FP, an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training to strengthen the network of shared responsibility and support the transformation of vocational education.

Currently, FPEmpresa is organizing the 11th VET Congress, held in Cartagena under the theme “Sharing Experiences: The Implementation of the New VET Law.” Since 2014, this event has gathered more and more professionals and educators from across the country to discuss the most relevant issues in the sector.

Record Attendance at the 11th VET Congress by FPEmpresa in Cartagena
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Record Attendance at the 11th VET Congress by FPEmpresa in Cartagena

The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional, FPEmpresa, and CaixaBank Dualiza, in collaboration with the Región de Murcia and the City Council of Cartagena and with the participation of the Fundación Orange, brought together more than 1,300 teachers and education professionals at the 11th VET Congress “Sharing Experiences: The Implementation of the New VET Law.” Held on April 3rd and 4th at the Auditorio El Batel in Cartagena, the event marked a record attendance for the Association, which is now firmly established as a benchmark in the educational community, with 700 member centres across Spain.

The event was inaugurated by Luis García, President of FPEmpresa, and Paula San Luis, Director of CaixaBank Dualiza, as well as Esther Monterrubio, Secretary of Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, Noelia Arroyo, Mayor of Cartagena, and Víctor Javier Marín, Minister of Education and Vocational Training of the Region of Murcia. Their speeches served as a welcome to the attendees, who were then able to enjoy panel discussions on the new legislation, challenges in the education sector, and the implementation of sustainability and digitalization modules. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit VET centres and companies in the region. Furthermore, the Congress hosted 23 exhibiting companies with informational stands offering new programs and innovative resources for interested participants.

The event concluded with the announcement of the next VET Congress, which will be held in Cantabria. A video message from the Mayor of Santander, Gema Igual Ortiz, was shown to share the news. Finally, Sergio Silva, Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Universities of Cantabria, commented on the current moment full of challenges in vocational training: “We are overcoming all these challenges because we are addressing them, tackling them, and we will continue to overcome them collaboratively.” In the closing remarks of the 11th VET Congress, the minister emphasized the importance of collaborative work and how FPEmpresa “represents a way of working, of opening up to others, of sharing experiences and learning from the strengths of others.”

Registration open for the 4th edition of the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP by FPEmpresa and Esprinet Group
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Registration open for the 4th edition of the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP by FPEmpresa and Esprinet Group

After three editions, over 1,000 participants, 135 projects, and €36,000 awarded, the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP are back for their fourth edition, organized by the Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet. The submission period opens from February 12, 2025, until February 27 of the same year.

The aim of the call is to raise the visibility of women in professional fields where their presence is minimal; in many of these fields, their representation does not exceed 5%, as is the case in areas such as Manufacturing and Mechanics, Installation and Maintenance, Energy and Water… This edition adds the professional fields of Image and Sound, as well as Extractive Industries, two areas where female enrollment is very low. Additionally, this 4th edition introduces a new feature: a second third-place prize, meaning more vocational training centers and teams will receive financial recognition for their projects.

The participating teams must be related to professional fields in Vocational Training where there is a gender gap and must consist of 50% female students or be led by female instructors from these professional fields.

Development and Requirements

On March 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the challenge will be presented in an online event that all participating teams must attend. These teams will have until March 27, 2025, to submit a video of no more than 3 minutes, clearly and concisely presenting a technological solution to the challenge. The proposal must also contribute to achieving at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals beyond gender equality. Additionally, they must prepare a list of materials and resources required to implement the solution. The winning teams will be announced on May 30, 2025.

The annual collaboration will conclude with two training sessions that maintain a strong commitment to enhancing the knowledge of Vocational Training students in an increasingly digitalized environment. Through one-hour online sessions, FPEmpresa will organize these initiatives, where experts from Grupo Esprinet will share their knowledge and experience.

Through these awards, not only are the objectives proposed by the 2030 Agenda for social justice and inclusion followed—particularly those focused on gender equality—but also digitalization is promoted, and the connection between students and the real-world business environment is fostered through collaboration with Grupo Esprinet.

Caixabank Dualiza and FPEmpresa Dualiza-Orienta Call registrations are open for educational centers projets that want to raise awareness about Vocational Education
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Caixabank Dualiza and FPEmpresa Dualiza-Orienta Call registrations are open for educational centers projets that want to raise awareness about Vocational Education

CaixaBank Dualiza and the Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa have opened the registration period for the Active Guidance Call, which has been renamed the Dualiza-Orienta Call. This initiative aims to support active guidance projects from educational centers towards Vocational Education and Training (VET).

The call is directed at strengthening support for guidance actions towards VET that will be carried out during the first semester of 2025, specifically from March 1 to June 30, 2025.

Thus, any public, private, or semi-private educational center offering regulated VET education in the country can participate in the Call.

Paula San Luis, Director of CaixaBank Dualiza, highlighted “the commitment of the organizing entities to guidance activities, a key pillar in education to facilitate the creation of appropriate educational paths for individuals, but above all, so that these paths are built from the choice made once all available options, including VET, are known. Guidance is one of the fundamental levers to reduce early school dropout and optimize the educational system.”

Luis García Domínguez, President of FPEmpresa, expressed that “the future of Vocational Training and Education depends on how we guide people toward market opportunities. Guidance should be seen as a dynamic process, where not only is information provided, but also inspiration. From the Association, we will continue promoting initiatives that allow young people to make educational decisions that open doors to their personal and professional development in a changing environment full of possibilities.”

Similarly, as the new VET law recognizes, it is necessary to acknowledge the work of counselors in facilitating the creation of a flexible educational path, linked to Vocational Education, that adapts to each individual’s profile and circumstances.

The projects can be directed towards any of the Professional Families offered for the 2024/2025 academic year, with priority given to those related to the STEAM field or sustainability and rural development.

This call aims to encourage new female vocations in industrial technical professions, related to new technologies and STEAM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Mathematics).

The guidance actions, evaluated by the Evaluation Committee, that are selected will receive a financial grant of up to a maximum of 2,500 euros. The selected projects will be announced in the first half of March 2025.

The goal of this call is to promote guidance actions that foster a better and broader understanding of VET among primary, secondary, and/or high school students, where VET centers play an active role and can count on support from companies.

The application submission period will run from January 13 to February 3, 2025, and applications should be submitted through the website www.caixabankdualiza.es.

For any further inquiries, you can contact via email at orientacionactiva@fpempresa.net.

FPEmpresa hosts the ENNEPlus project at IES Clara del Rey for the Eco-Digithon 2025
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FPEmpresa hosts the ENNEPlus project at IES Clara del Rey for the Eco-Digithon 2025

The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa, held follow-up sessions for the ENNEPlus project – Enhancing VET National Networks Through Ecoinnovation on January 15 and 16 which this year, 2025, will mark the first edition of the Eco-Digithon in Extremadura. The event took place at IES Clara del Rey (Madrid), a partner center of FPEmpresa, and included participants from Austria, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, and Spain, represented by FHJoanneum and WKO Steiermark, ART&SKILLS, APEMETA, EGinA, Sereco, Innogestiona, All Digital, and EfVET.

The first edition of the Eco-Digithon will focus on eco-innovation, emphasizing technology and digitalization in areas such as the circular economy, water quality, and renewable energies, among others. The initiative aims to address real societal problems by developing ideas and prototypes that create a positive impact on society and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Innovative projects with social relevance

During the sessions held in Madrid, emphasis was placed on the social, digital, and ecological aspects. Discussions focused on the innovative nature of the proposals, ensuring that each one differenciates themselves from existing projects and are applicable to the real world while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ultimate goal of the Eco-Digithon is to work closely with vocational training centers, break down barriers, and create eco-innovative communities by connecting students and teachers with other centers.

The conversations ensured coordination and collaboration among project partners, as well as the quality of the plan and its proper implementation and development in the participating countries.

The winners of the Eco-Digithon will have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Social Hackathon Umbria with experts in green technologies to develop their eco-innovative solutions and will be evaluated by an international jury that will select the best Eco-innovative VET team of the edition.

FPEmpresa Hosts the Second Meeting of the SiT Project in Madrid
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FPEmpresa Hosts the Second Meeting of the SiT Project in Madrid

The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa has hosted members of the SiT Project (Sustainability in TCLF) in Madrid on November 13 and 14 of 2024, for the second project meeting. The IES Leonardo Da Vinci, an FPEmpresa-affiliated VET center, has served as the venue for this European meeting, where attendees observed the work of students specializing in Textile, Clothing and Leather studies, as well as their workshops featuring dyeing and fiber production machinery. Elena Argudo, Project Director at the Association, has emphasized “the importance of hosting the visit at a member center with such a rich history and commitment to international initiatives as IES Leonardo Da Vinci.”

Progress Updates and Achievements

During the sessions, project partners have provided updates on various work packages and the current status of each. Specifically, it was announced that the project successfully has secured 147 organizations as signatories to the Knowledge Triangle Agreement, aiming to foster effective collaboration between educational institutions, businesses and research centers—a cornerstone of the SiT project.

Additionally, it was revealed that over 625 companies and 90 vocational training centers has participated in a survey to identify the skills gap and training needs of vocational students in the textile sector. The survey results has highlighted two emerging professions, which will be the focus of new training curricula within the project. These professions, Biotextiles Technician and Waste Manager, are projected to play a crucial role in driving the ecological transformation of the industry.

Next Steps in the SiT Project

A significant part of the program has focused on upcoming actions within the SiT project. This November marks the start of Work Package 3, which will focus on curriculum and module development, as well as the creation of a network for certification, validation, recognition and accreditation of the training programs. The goal of these materials is to implement a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) to enhance accessibility and impact within the textile sector. The MOOC is set to be developed throughout the coming year.

In addition, attendees has enjoyed an English-language tour of Madrid, led by VET students in Tourism Guidance, Information and Assistance from the Madrid School of Hospitality and Tourism as part of their practical training.

About the SiT Project

This initiative, coordinated by ITKAM – Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany, is part of the Erasmus+ funding program Alliance for Innovation and will run until January 31, 2027. The SiT project involves 15 partners from 8 European Union countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia and Slovakia.

The project’s objectives include promoting innovation in education, training and the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors. It focuses on the potential of the green transition and developing new training modules in educational institutions to address gaps in green skills.

FPEmpresa travels to Leipzig to launch the SiT project focused on sustainability and innovation in the textile industry
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FPEmpresa travels to Leipzig to launch the SiT project focused on sustainability and innovation in the textile industry

The Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa maintains its commitment to internationalisation. FPEmpresa has attended the first face-to-face meeting of the European project SiT – Sustainability in TCLF on 21-22th of February of 2024 at the premises of IHK Leipzig (Germany).

This initiative, coordinated by ITKAM – Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany, is part of the Erasmus+ Innovation Alliance funding programme and will run until 31 January 2027. In addition, the SiT project involves 15 partners from 8 European Union (EU) countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovakia.

One of its objectives is to promote innovation in education, training and the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector. Therefore, the European project focuses on the potential of the green transition and the development of new training modules in educational institutions to address green skills gaps.

European companies in the textile sector require technical profiles with digital and green skills

In the first part of the meeting, the project participants presented their roles and the activities they carry out in each entity they represent. Afterwards, an analysis of the green skills required by companies in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector was carried out, together with a study of emerging professions with advanced knowledge in sustainability. In addition, ITKAM presented the administrative management of the SiT project and explained how the European partners should carry out the implementation of the project.

FPEmpresa explained its role in the European project. The Association will be in charge of Work Package 4, which involves the development of a MOOC focused on promoting the acquisition of various functional, transversal, digital and green competences. This MOOC aims to enhance the development of students and professionals in the textile sector. Furthermore, FPEmpresa has detailed the initial process that will be followed to implement the MOOC, as well as the informative aspects related to the training, such as the access process, duration and content, among others.

During the second part of the meeting, the other partners presented their contributions to the SiT project, while the Chamber of Commerce of Padua shared the dissemination and communication plan of the work. At the end of the session, several meetings have been scheduled to discuss the next activities of the project, in order to meet the implementation objectives of the European SiT project.

FPEmpresa starts in Brussels the ENNEPlus project to strengthen European VET networks through Eco-innovation
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FPEmpresa starts in Brussels the ENNEPlus project to strengthen European VET networks through Eco-innovation

The Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa has attended on 30-31 of January in 2024 the first face-to-face meeting of the European project ENNEPlus – Enhancing VET National Networks Through Ecoinnovation at the All Digital office in Brussels (Belgium).

This project is the successor of the previous ENNEPlus project and will run from 2024 to 2026. The aim of ENNEPlus is to enhance the capacity of VET providers to contribute to transformative and sustainable change in their local communities through networking, capacity building and challenge-based activities in the field of eco-innovation.

The project meeting was led by Egina (International Academy of European Fellowships), the project coordinator in Italy, and was attended by the other European partners, including WKO Steiermark and FH Joanneum from Austria; EfVET and All Digital from Belgium; Sereco from Italy; Innogestiona from Spain; and Apemeta and Arts & Skills from Portugal.

Empowering European VET networks through Eco-innovation

During the first session, participants learned about the specific objectives of the project and the work plan that will be followed during the process. In addition, the main dates of meetings and work deadlines were established, and the Social Hackathon, which will take place in Umbria (Italy) from 4 to 7 July 2024, was presented.

Afterwards, FHJoanneum presented the studies of its educational institution, the projects in which it participates and the different learning scenarios. Innogestiona explained their environmental role and how they approach their management and community participation in the ENNEPlus project.

During the second session, Egina presented the administrative management of the ENNEPlus project and explained how partners should present their activities. Subsequently, FHJoanneum showed the steps of the excellence assurance plan and the next tasks related to it, while EfVET shared the dissemination and communication plan of the work.

To conclude the meeting, the partners participated in the last activity, divided by countries to discuss other possible actors that could join the local actions. They also shared their social networks and told the partners about the activities and projects carried out by each of the organisations.

FPEmpresa meets the EfVET executive in Lisbon to propose the agenda for the EfVET 2024 Conference
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FPEmpresa meets the EfVET executive in Lisbon to propose the agenda for the EfVET 2024 Conference

The Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa has attended the meetings of the Executive Management of EfVET held on 18th and 19th of January at the Escola de Comércio de Lisboa (Portugal). FPEmpresa was represented by Carlos de Olagüe, EfVET coordinator for Spain and member coordinator for Madrid and International of the Association.

The day’s agenda included discussions on various topics such as: policy, conferences, financing, projects and teamworks. However, one of the most important topics on the agenda was the preparation of the next EfVET 2024 Conference, which will take place on 24-25th of October in Amersfoot, the Netherlands, as well as the presentation of several proposals on the theme of the EfVET 2025 Conference.

The EfVET team also carried out an evaluation of the EfVET 2023 Conference held in September 2023 in Rhodes, Greece. The Board members have highlighted those areas for improvement to be introduced in the next congresses and welcomed the activities that have been a success among the participants.

EfVET network increases with the addition of new members

During the meeting, the President of EfVET, James Calleja, welcomed the new representatives from Estonia and Norway, “highlighting the growth of the Organisation and the importance of having more perspectives that serve to enrich our reflections”, said the FPEmpresa Member Coordinator for Madrid and International.

After the EfVET members presented their work plan within the network, the Board of Directors established a new update of the EfVET Communication Plan, stressing the need to update the priority communication channels of each EfVET member.

To conclude the meeting, James Calleja has shared with the territorial coordinators the next dates and venue of the EfVET Board meetings, as well as the realization of different working groups to respond to their concerns regarding the next Conference.

“Once again, we thank our colleagues from Portugal for organising this event, which aims to promote Vocational Education and Training under European values. We continue to work for quality VET beyond our borders, and this is evidenced by activities of this nature”, concluded Carlos de Olagüe.

EFA La Malvesía promotes the circular bioeconomy through the European project Circular Bricks
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EFA La Malvesía promotes the circular bioeconomy through the European project Circular Bricks

EFA La Malvesía (Valencia), a centre associated to the Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa, participates in the Circular Bricks project with the aim of contributing to the training and education of new generations about the circular bioeconomy. This project, co-financed by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ programme, will run until february of 2024 and involves the collaboration of VET centres and entities from Spain, Italy, Greece and Romania.

This initiative, led by the University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, highlights the importance of education as a driver of change in the bioeconomy. “Through innovation and training in work and production processes, the bioeconomy can be consolidated as a key tool in the creation of new sustainable business models and in the fight against climate change”, has said Miguel Guasp, from the International Department of EFA La Malvesía.

To this aim, VET teachers in the agri-food sector will be trained through pedagogical materials. This will enable them to train students in the acquisition of green skills, essential for both current and future industries operating in the European circular bioeconomy.

A green and sustainable future

In december of 2023, EFA La Malvesía met in Italy with the rest of the team to present the results of the work generated by the students of the agri-food sector of the VET centres involved. These results have been very well received and valued by both the VET students and the technical committee of experts.

Moreover, during this meeting, the partners planned the final activities of the project and started the preparation of the final report to be presented at the Final Conference in Rome in february of 2024, marking the culmination of this European project.

“Our aim is to transform our students into real agents of change, and with this project we will achieve this. Without a doubt, this represents a new step forward in the internationalisation of the school and will contribute to improving the professional skills of both teachers and VET students at our school”, has concluded Miguel Guasp.