On April 8–9, more than 400 education professionals, policymakers, and European stakeholders came together in Valladolid for the 4th Vocational Training Forum of Castilla y León, hosted by the region’s Department of Education in parallel with its regional Skills Competition. The event, supported by EARLALL, spotlighted the critical role of vocational education and training (VET) in driving regional innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
Showcasing Talent and Innovation in VET
With 220 students competing in 33 disciplines and 22 demonstration events, the forum offered a dynamic backdrop for discussing the future of VET in Spain and beyond. Regional Minister of Education Rocío Lucas Navas opened the forum by emphasizing the strategic importance of VET in addressing local economic and social challenges. With an employability rate above 87% and over 48,600 students enrolled, Castilla y León’s VET system is a model of talent retention and rural-urban cohesion.
European Voices on Skills, Excellence, and Inclusion
The programme featured key representatives from the European Commission, CEDEFOP, ETF, and EfVET, offering insights into European skills strategies and policy frameworks. They discussed pressing topics such as dual education, transformative governance, the role of micro-credentials, and cross-border cooperation.
Alicia Gabán, representing EARLALL, underlined the unique role of regions in aligning training to local labour markets. She also highlighted LCAMP as a leading example of this alignment:
“The LCAMP Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative in the Basque Country supports regional VET centres in the field of advanced manufacturing. Recognising its impact, the Basque Government integrated LCAMP into its latest regional VET strategy, raising the visibility of CoVEs on the political agenda.”
This recognition underscores LCAMP’s growing influence not only as a project but as a catalyst for systemic change in vocational training.
Building Ecosystems of Excellence
Speakers from CEDEFOP and ETF echoed the importance of locally rooted, internationally connected VET ecosystems. Projects like LCAMP in the Basque Country, EXCEED in Catalonia, and others in Flanders and Lombardy are paving the way for more agile and collaborative approaches to skill development.
The forum also featured discussions on social partner collaboration, internationalisation, SME engagement, and the potential of dual education to address labour shortages and attract young talent. Local success stories like the Habitable project (focused on sustainable construction) showcased how regional initiatives are helping VET systems adapt to green and digital transitions.
VET as a Pillar of Regional Strategy
Concluding the event, Agustín Sigüenza Molina, Director General of Vocational Training in Castilla y León, outlined the region’s strategic lines for VET—emphasising talent retention, demographic balance, digitalisation, and sustainability as key priorities.
The two-day event affirmed a shared message: Vocational education is not only a tool for employability—it’s a cornerstone for innovation, inclusion, and the future of Europe’s regions.
