At present, there are different types of Vocational Training that give us the opportunity to access a wide variety of job opportunities. Studies are completed in two years and facilitate access to the workplace, as they include a wide range of practical modules.

What types of Vocational Training are there? 

If you are thinking about studying vocational training, but you are not sure about the different types available, read on, as we will explain which one is the best option for you depending on your needs, preferences and expectations.

Educational levels of vocational training  

There are three educational levels that classify the different types of vocational training. The main differences between them are the levels of specialisation and the access requirements.  However, all of them lead to a degree at the end of the two courses.

  • Basic vocational training: this is the most elementary level. To access these courses, students must have reached the age of 15 or, at least, have reached the age of 15 within the current year. They must also have completed the first cycle of ESO. However, in exceptional cases, some students who have not completed the second cycle of ESO may also enrol if the teaching team is in agreement.
  • Intermediate Vocational Training: if the student has finished ESO, they can choose to do an Intermediate Vocational Training cycle, which will allow them to obtain a Technician qualification. With this, they will be able to enter the workplace without the need to undertake higher studies.
  • Advanced Vocational Training: this is the highest level of Vocational Training. To access it, it is necessary to have a Baccalaureate, an Intermediate Vocational Training qualification or to have passed the Entrance Examination. It includes a work placement module.
  • Dual vocational training: this is an ideal study modality for people who want to work while they study, as the work experience lasts for the two years that the training lasts. Students are registered with the Social Security and are paid a salary from the moment they start their training.

Vocational training by teaching type  

If we look at the type of teaching, we can classify vocational training studies into the following groups:

  • Face-to-face vocational training: this is taught in a physical centre, normally in a classroom that students attend in person.
  • Online vocational training: this is taught through a virtual campus, using technological tools that enable all the required knowledge to be taught in its entirety, without the need to attend face-to-face classes.
  • Blended vocational training: learning is carried out at a distance, with the exception of some specific sessions that take place in person in the classroom.
  • Dual vocational training: a greater number of hours are devoted to practical work than to theoretical knowledge. The working hours are paid and are covered by social security contributions.

Vocational training by level of studies  

Spanish legislation establishes an official classification in which different types of vocational training are included.

Grade A. Partial accreditation of competence

Grade A is the lowest level that can be obtained with a partial accreditation of competence. Its aim is to match professional experience with one or several competence components of a work module included in the Modular Catalogue of Vocational Training.

Grade B. Accreditation of competence

This is achieved through an accreditation of competence. In this case, the professional experience is equated to a complete module included in the Modular Catalogue of Vocational Training.

Grade C. Vocational Certificate

Grade C is achieved through a vocational certificate. This can be obtained by gaining different accreditations of competence or if your professional experience can be equated with several modules of the Modular Catalogue of Vocational Training.

Grade D. Training Cycle

These are the training cycles included in the Spanish education system. It can be achieved after having obtained a Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Level qualification.

Grade E. Specialisation Course

This is obtained after passing a specialisation course. These are courses made up of various modules that normally last between 300 and 900 hours. They may correspond to both post-compulsory education and higher education, depending on the level of the qualifications required for access.

Vocational training by professional categories

There are also different types of training cycles depending on the different professional branches that exist. At present, there are 26 different branches, but the ones that have the most work opportunities are the following:

  • Health: this is one of the branches with more options in both intermediate and advanced grades. There are up to 11 different qualifications, with Dental Hygiene and Health Documentation and Administration being particularly noteworthy.
  • Chemistry: there are five qualifications and a specialisation course. Analysis and Quality Control Laboratory Technician and Industrial Chemistry are the specialities with the most opportunities.
  • Mechanical Manufacturing: this is another of the most numerous professional branches, with courses at different academic levels.  The Advanced Technician in Production Programming in Mechanical Manufacturing and Metal Constructions are the ones with the highest employability rate.

Now that you are familiar with the types of Vocational Training that exist, we are sure that it will be much easier for you to choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.  In fact, you won’t even have to attend in person, as you can study online. This means that you will be able to combine your studies with your work and family life.