Choosing a course of study is one of the most crucial decisions we have to make in life and one that, on many occasions, leaves us feeling overwhelmed by doubts. Sometimes it’s quite difficult to decide between one course and another, or perhaps the profession that once particularly caught our eye no longer motivates us enough and we want to change direction.
Fortunately, we now have a wide range of training options to help us embark enthusiastically on the career we see ourselves pursuing in the future. Many students opt for university studies, whilst others clearly favour Vocational Training. The latter, during their Vocational Training programme, will acquire the necessary skills and abilities to become highly qualified technical professionals who are in high demand by employers.
It is no surprise, then, that Vocational Training saw over 50 per cent more job placements than university graduates in 2019. This is a figure worth bearing in mind to ensure that undertaking a Vocational Training course is an excellent option for carving out a promising career.
Year on year, the employment rate for technical profiles is rising. Companies are increasingly seeking candidates with technical, practice-oriented skills that are tailored to the real needs of the market , enabling them to stand out from the competition. For this reason, there are many advantages to studying Vocational Training.
Vocational Training programmes include Intermediate Vocational Training Courses ( CFGM) and Advanced Vocational Training Courses ( CFGS), both of which share a strong practical focus to ensure that students can effectively perform their future professional roles. As a result, 90 per cent of vocational training graduates looking for work find a job.
Those who ultimately decide to undertake a vocational training programme should first familiarise themselves with the main differences between the intermediate and advanced levels, so that they can understand the benefits of each. Read on!
The Difference Between Intermediate and Advanced Levels
Intermediate-level vocational training is in high demand in Spain. According to a study by CEDEFOP (the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training), by 2030 “the labour market will require 65 per cent of graduates to hold intermediate-level vocational training qualifications ”.
To gain entry to this level of training, a minimum academic qualification of Compulsory Secondary Education or Basic Vocational Training is required. Furthermore, those undertaking this programme will have their first experience of post-compulsory, non-university education.
Upon completion of the intermediate-level vocational training programme, students are awarded the qualification of ‘Technician’ in the relevant profession. In this way, in most cases, they will be able to enter the labour market in less than two years.
Following an intermediate-level vocational training programme, students may also progress to higher education, either by undertaking an advanced-level vocational training programme or by completing the Bachillerato.
What are higher-level vocational training programmes?
As regards higher-level vocational training, it follows a methodology similar to that of intermediate-level vocational training programmes. Based on practice-centred training, through a curriculum that meets the real demands of businesses, students undertake a course of study that culminates in work-based training, providing them with their first exposure to the professional environment.
Higher-level vocational training programmes are in high demand in the labour market, as these qualifications produce graduates who are highly qualified to practise a technical profession. Furthermore, grants are available to help students undertake these higher-level vocational training courses.
Training at this level enables graduates to attain middle management positions in various organisations; consequently, the difference between intermediate and advanced levels is also linked to the career prospects an employee may have within an organisation. Furthermore, the role of a Senior Technician carries greater responsibility than that of a Technician.
Is an entrance exam required for higher-level vocational training?
To gain entry to this academic level, applicants must hold at least a Sixth Form Certificate or equivalent; entry is also possible via an intermediate-level vocational training qualification or by sitting an entrance exam.
As you have seen, Vocational Training (whether face-to-face or distance learning) is becoming increasingly important for the future of the labour market. Depending on the subject area and the type of role they are aiming for, students can choose between an intermediate-level or an advanced-level vocational training programme. The former can be completed in a shorter time, facilitating rapid entry into the labour market, whilst the latter provides students with the benefits of a more specialised qualification offering greater career prospects within a company, whilst also enabling them to progress to university studies. Does your future lie in vocational training?
