Overview
- A report presented Tuesday by union Comisiones Obreras found 50.59% of Madrid's vocational training (FP) students now attend private centres and estimated more than 60,000 young people lacked a public FP place in 2024–25.
- Between 2018–19 and 2024–25 total FP enrolment in Madrid rose 85.2% while private enrolment grew 122.2%, outpacing a 58.3% rise in public places and reducing the public share below 50%.
- Online FP has driven much of the change with distance enrolment up 492.1%; private online provision jumped about 659% versus roughly 185% in the public sector and private higher-level distance centres rose from 28 to 102.
- The private surge has raised costs and gaps in access because many in-demand cycles such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and web development are largely offered only by fee-charging private centres, with annual private fees often €3,000–€6,000 and specialised courses up to €16,000.
- CC.OO. demands a multi-year public expansion plan, national standards for online FP, anti-substitution safeguards in company placements, and better guidance and data systems because Madrid’s microfirm-heavy economy and weak school counselling risk poor-quality workplace training and entrenched gender gaps.