Vocational Training

Another determining factor in the current state of Basque vocational training is the extraordinary response from vocational training centres, which have decidedly stood behind the new concepts put forward by the Basque Plan. In this area there have been notable changes in terms of management structures, requalification of human capital and modernization of equipment. Centres have opted for continuous training and pushed for a rapid transition from old to new curricula in the regulated training offer.

  Table 1.- Internal Evolution of Vocational Training Programmes. Percentages. 1993/94-2002/03

 Another relevant indicator is the readiness and initiative on the part of vocational training centres to develop practices associated with quality and excellence.

As a result, the following outputs were achieved by early 2004:

- Two vocational training centres have received the EFQM Gold Q Award for achieving a score of 500 points.
- 18 vocational training centres have received the EFQM Gold Q Award for achieving a score of 400 points.
- A total of 36 vocational training centres have obtained ISO 9000 certification.
- 14 vocational training centres have received 300 points for EFQM excellence.
- 1 vocational training centre has obtained ISO 14000 certification.
- 10 vocational training centres are in the ISO 14000 audit stage.

The third element that contributes to the current status of vocational training in Basque society is the increasing commitment on the part of the centres to the furtherance of continuous vocational training and occupational training. This is a key issue in the strategy of the Basque Plan, which encourages the integration of the three vocational training subsystems.