Intermediate VET (CFGM in Spain)

What is VET?

It qualifies you to work in different professions and provides the necessary training to acquire the professionals skills in each subject area, as well as understand how the relevant sector is organised. It also enables entry to higher-level programmes.

There are two types of VET:

  • Intermediate (CFGM): you can access these programmes if you have completed compulsory secondary education, or pass entry tests or Basic Vocational Training (FPB)
  • Higher (CFGS): you can access these programmes if you pass your high school diploma, intermediate VET or the relevant entry tests.

There is also a dual VET option comprising a combination of vocational training at education centres with paid employment or training at businesses (employment contract for training or apprenticeship).

What are the contents?

Contents are organised into modules with an exclusive vocational focus, i.e. they are directly linked to the chosen professional field.

In turn, theory and practice run in tandem: a part of the training takes place at education centres and a part at businesses, with placements in a real professional employment setting, in accordance with the corresponding training programme. Moreover, there are employment training and guidance, and entrepreneurship modules.

The Balearic Islands offers a wide range of professional categories covered by one or more intermediate or higher VET courses.

What are intermediate VET programmes like and how long do they last?

Intermediate VET comprises programmes that train students for a specific professional area (energy and water, electricity and electronics, etc.).

The programmes run over two academic years and lead to a technical qualification in the specialisation taken (e.g. Electrical and Automatic Systems Technician.

How to access Intermediate VET (CFGM)

You can access Intermediate VET if you have passed compulsory secondary education or basic VET, and pass the corresponding admissions procedure.

If you do not have any of these qualifications, you must take a specific entry test. In order to take the test, you must be at least 17 or reach this age in the calendar year of the test. You then need to apply to the corresponding admissions procedure.

And after Intermediate VET?

A technical qualification enables you to join the workforce in your chosen specialisation. In turn, you may continue to take specialised courses or advanced training on Higher VET programmes (CFGS).