1 Sebastian Lopez Ojeda VET Teacher (Now working as VET Advisor for Teachers´s Training)

2 I am from Almeria (Spain) Almeria is one of the 50 spanish provinces, is part of the Autonomous Region of Andalucia

3 First, I would like to tell you some interesting data about Almeria Area 8774 Km 2 (spanish ranking 27) Population (spanish ranking 24) Population density 73 citizens / Km 2 One of the most mountainous provinces in Spain 219 kilometres of coastline

4 At the beginning of the 1960's, economic indicators pointed to Almeria as the province with the lowest per capita income in Spain and one of the most depressed areas of Europe. Today, Almeria is one of the provinces in Spain with the largest increase in their rates of economic development. The economic drivers have been: Intensive agriculture (greenhouses) Tourism Extraction of natural stone (marble)

5 In Almeria we can find a sea of plastics which are in fact green houses, which produce tons of fruit and vegetables, more than 70% of the product is exported to the rest of Europe. Over the past 50 years, the small coastal plain has been intensively developed for agriculture. An estimated 20,000 hectares of extra-early market produce is grown in greenhouses, and it accounts for over $1.5 billion in economic activity.

6 As it relates to tourism... A picture is worth than thousand words

7 Did you know...? Almeria is the place with more sun hours in Europe (over 3000) The only desert in Europe is located in Almeria (Tabernas) In desert of Tabernas is the largest center for research, development and testing of concentrating solar technologies in Europe

8 Did you know...? Many films have scenes that have been shot in Almeria. Their landscapes are unique in Europe. Do you remember Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones and the last crusade or Conan the barbarian? And do not forget the Western...

9 Did you know...? The human structure better seen from space is the sea of plastic greenhouses in Almeria

10 But... We are here to speak about VET and how to attract young people to it. Is not true?

11 Initial VET Educational System Young people (essentially) Formal Occupational VET Ministry of Employment and Labour and other institutions Unemployed people Non formal Continuous VET Companies, unions and other social actors Active workers Non formal So far in Spain, VET is offered in several ways by different organizations This situation does not promote the value and transparency of the training to developing lifelong learning

12 Initial VET Educational System Young people (essentially) Formal Occupational VET Ministry of Employment and Labour and other institutions Unemployed people Non formal Continuous VET Companies, unions and other social actors Active workers Non formal Today we are involved in a integration proccess the three training system, in line with the EQF (European Qualifications Framework), further of recognition of the informal learning Recognition of Informal learning Integrated system Lifelong learning

13 Some of the problems of our system are: Traditionally, VET is Spain has had little social prestige The economic investment in VET has been insufficient The current structure is not flexible, increases costs without adding benefits. For example, the training received in a subsystem is not recognized by the other subsystems The vocational orientation has not been developed sufficiently The relationship between companies and educational system is not enough

14 Fortunately the situation is changing in recent years, although much remains to be done...

15 It is necessary to improve the quality and quantity of training offered, and especially make VET attractive to the young people

16 To reach these goals we are working on several lines: Developing of a new catalogue of professional qualifications updated and contrasted with the labour market Making more flexible the training system of VET. For example, using elearning applied to VET, recognition of non formal and informal learning, etc Increasing relationship with the companies for practice and incorporation into the labour market

17 To reach these goals we are working on several lines: Facilitating access to university of graduates in VET, validating the learning of VET training Spreading the entrepreneurial culture among youth Making marketing campaigns to promote and value VET among families, youth and society in general

18 Thanks for your attention I will be happy to provide further information if you are interested, my is

19 Oh! I forgot introduce you the symbol of Almeria. His name is Indalo, he is a very old citizen of Almeria, perhaps the oldest... Indalo is a prehistoric magical symbol found painted in a cave Legend has it that the Indalo was a god that could hold and carry a rainbow in his hands. The Indalo has been adopted as the official symbol in the province of Almería. It is used as a lucky charm, but to carry luck it has been presented as a gift. So... GOOD LUCK!