Dual Training was launched in the Basque Country, before the arrival of this new law, previously called Dual Vocational Training in the Representation Regime, which allowed students to complete their studies while training in companies. Students can be trained in the training center and in the company, both at the 1st and 2nd level. What are the advantages of this?

Degrees C and D and Specialization Courses E have a dual nature, combining training in the educational center and on-the-job training. This has meant progress and improvement in many aspects.

Students get meaningful practical experience working directly in companies, which allows them to apply and consolidate the knowledge gained in the classroom in a real work environment. It also offers the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your field of study, including technical, social and teamwork skills.

By combining theoretical training with practical experience, dual training increases the employability of students, offering a combination of skills and knowledge that are more attractive to companies. In addition, a paid apprenticeship contract is signed in the second year, which opens up the possibility of future recruitment.

It also has advantages for companies, for example, access to young and qualified talent, companies can recruit and train students from the start, allowing them to develop and retain young and qualified talent that fits their specific needs.
They can reduce costs associated with hiring and training new employees, as students already have a certain level of skills and knowledge.

Partnerships with educational institutions allow companies to influence the design of curricula and ensure that students acquire the skills and competencies relevant to their operations and the current labor market.
Business collaboration with students promotes innovation, introducing new ideas and perspectives into the business.

Does Dual Vocational Education help companies with their difficulty in finding qualified workers and filling vacancies?

One of the historical concerns has been the difficulty companies have in finding workers and filling vacant positions, and for this reason, the Department of Education chose to increase the offer both in new qualifications and in the number of places.

Dual VET can be a valuable tool to help companies overcome difficulties in obtaining qualified employees and filling vacancies, offering access to young and well-trained talent, tailored to their specific needs and requirements. But for this there must be a wide offer, continuous monitoring of needs and adaptation to training curricula.

What are the advantages of studying Vocational Education today compared to other training courses?

On the one hand, VET is based on the development of practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in the world of work. VET programs are designed in close collaboration with specific companies and sectors, ensuring that students acquire skills that are relevant and in demand in today's labor market.

Because VET includes internships in companies, it allows students to gain work experience and establish professional relationships that will facilitate their entry into the labor market.

VET offers a variety of families and specialties in various fields, allowing students to choose the cycle that suits their interests, abilities and professional goals. It also allows you to progress in education, offering the possibility to continue with higher studies, for example at university. VET's versatility is another of its advantages. It offers different degrees, from professional certificates to technical and advanced degrees.

What challenges does Vocational Education still have to take on?

One of the most important challenges is changing the social perception of VET. It is essential to emphasize the high qualification of the students, the job opportunities, the employment rate and the professional development offered by the VET.

Although progress has been made with the new law in terms of the connection between Vocational Education and the labor market, it is essential to update Vocational Education programs and to adapt them to the demands of the market.

It is important to expand and diversify the Vocational Education offer in the Basque Country, to respond to the large number of unfilled jobs that companies currently have, including programs that cover a wider range of sectors and specialties.

It is also necessary to implement measures to attract and retain qualified and motivated professionals in the field of VET teaching, as well as to provide opportunities for professional development and continuous training to ensure that they are up-to-date in knowledge and teaching methodologies. And, finally, the work between companies and educational centers 

Strengthening knowledge is essential to guarantee the importance and quality of the training provided in Vocational Education. This can be achieved by promoting cooperation agreements, creating networks of collaborating companies and facilitating the active participation of companies in the design and implementation of VET programmes. Ikaslan Bizkaia is a key player in mutual mediation here.

How does Vocational Education compare to women in the STEAM field?

In the Basque Country, as in other areas, the participation of women in the STEAM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is lower than that of men, but great efforts are being made in these areas and initiatives to promote greater gender equality.

Specific programs and actions to promote women's participation include awareness-raising, orientation and mentoring initiatives aimed at young women to encourage them to consider careers in the STEAM field. Some active programs are, for example, NeskUp, an initiative promoted by the Department of Education, or the Podcast that Ikaslan Bizkaia is doing during this school year.

In which sectors of the STEAM field do we see a lower presence of women in Vocational Education in the Basque Country?

Although there are more and more women in traditionally masculinized sectors, there is still a noticeable gap in some areas, generally in more technical studies, for example engineering, industry and mechanics, or construction science studies.

If we pay particular attention to Vocational Education, the areas with the least presence of women are Electricity and Electronics, Transport and Vehicle Maintenance, Mechanical Manufacturing or Construction and Civil Works professional families.

On the other hand, families with a greater presence of women repeat Personal Image, Health, Sociocultural Services and Administration and Management.