Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, opened the International Congress on Vocational Training on 30 March 2023. This year’s event, ‘The future is the present’, highlights the importance of vocational educational and training and the European Year of Skills.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner said: 'Vocational education and training can help people successfully transition to another job in today’s ever-changing labour market. Sadly, VET is often seen as second choice, but it shouldn’t be.'
The Commissioner also visited EU-funded projects that empower young people to find the skills they need to build their confidence and employability, as well as helps people with long-term, mental health problems to re-engage with society and forge a career for themselves.
New vocational training model
Spain launched a new vocational training model that ensures young people stay in education, and helps employed and unemployed young people and adults receive the guidance and training they need to build the career that best utilises their skills. It offers expanded education and training opportunities, as well as applies innovative methods to help young people to become future entrepreneurs. The model gathers business and trade representatives, companies, organisations, teachers, educational institutions and students to ensure all people, regardless of background, have the tools they need to thrive in a changing labour market – with a focus on green and digital skills.
Funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) will support people across all regions of Spain by providing the necessary upskilling opportunities they need today. ESF+ projects will improve the quality and flexibility of education and training, enhancing and expanding activities and pathways as well as engaging with the labour market and society – including through dual learning and matching skills with employers’ requirements.
Helping persons with disabilities
Commissioner Schmit visited the Asprodema centre, which helps persons with disabilities to develop their talents and abilities, to enable them to get a job. The centre has received ESF and REACT-EU funding.
Run by the La Rioja region of Spain, the centre works with persons suffering from chronic mental disorders and helps them to integrate into society by using specialised treatment tailored to their needs. The comprehensive programme targets people aged from 18-60. The measures help them to become more independent and get the necessary information, guidance and training to find quality employment. Funding for the centre is set to continue and expand under the ESF+ for 2021-2027.
Supporting young people to find their feet
Together with Vice-President Schinas, Commissioner Schmit also visited the School of Culinary Arts of the Tomillo Foundation. Based in Madrid, the organisation helps improve the pre-employment skills of vulnerable young people, building autonomy, digital skills and overall employability – while promoting healthy eating habits. The Tomillo Foundation has been awarded €1.36 million from NextGenerationEU funds, which have allowed the organisation to finance improvements in its basic VET courses. Further ESF funding has allowed the organisation to focus on helping young people build their entrepreneurship knowledge and skills. The ESF+ will expand its funding for the programme for the 2021-2027 period.
