In this spotlight article, we speak with the Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa, an organisation that helps vocational and education training (VET) centres boost relations with the corporate world. FPEmpresa is committed to making an impact in society and believes that collaboration between VET centres and businesses can create great opportunities for students, enhancing their prospects in the job market. We interviewed Elena Argudo, Director of the Association of Vocational Training Centres FPEmpresa to tell us more about their pledge to EAfA.
Can you provide a short overview of your pledge and which EAfA objectives it relates to?
FPEmpresa brings together over 700 VET centres across Spain, including public, private and state-subsidised institutions.
We serve as a link between stakeholders in education, strengthening collaboration between businesses and VET centres so that student internships meet the expectations of all parties involved.
Which fields does FPEmpresa offer apprenticeships in?
We have a range of VET centres, each offering training programmes in different professional fields, such as:
- administration and finance
- energy and water
- commerce and marketing
- maintenance
- textiles
- electricity
- physical activities
- IT, and more.
How did you first hear about EAfA and why did you decide to submit a pledge?
We first came across EAfA on the internet, viewing it as a way to connect with all stakeholders involved in student training. With this in mind, we had no doubts about applying to become an EAfA member.
How has EAfA membership helped FPEmpresa to facilitate regional collaboration and partnerships across Europe?
We have strong communication channels for sharing activities. Being part of EAfA has given us access to training, materials and events that have been valuable to our associated centres. During the pandemic, high-quality webinars were especially useful.
We have also engaged in meetings with other organisations to exchange perspectives, learn from best practices and connect with businesses, organisations and public administrations.
What opportunities has FPEmpresa taken to contribute to EAfA activities?
We have participated in working groups on topics such as the green transition and gender equality – both of which are core commitments for FPEmpresa.
How have you promoted EAfA membership to your members/partners?
We promote all activities EAfA has developed in recent years, including webinars and digital initiatives. We include them in our newsletter, which is distributed to VET centres across Spain.
Since submitting a pledge, what activities has your organisation undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge?
Every year, we organise an event attended by more than 1,000 people. The event aims to foster dialogue between VET centres and businesses so that students can complete internships that enhance their training. This way, when students enter the job market, they are as well prepared as possible.
We keep in touch with businesses of all sizes and have partnered with organisations that represent companies in various sectors, such as MAFEX, an organisation representing companies in the rail sector. These activities outline different vocational training models and their associated internships.
One of our key partners is the CaixaBank Dualiza Foundation, which is also an EAfA member. Through CaixaBank Dualiza, we jointly organise the ‘Encuentro Dualiza’ events, which focus on connecting businesses with VET centres and encouraging companies to offer internships.
Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge?
Organisations that value networking should embrace initiatives that foster collaboration. EAfA is a key initiative for organisations interested in vocational training, especially the practical education of students across Europe.
Has FPEmpresa’s story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming a EAfA member on our EAfA membership and pledges webpage.
