Melodie Mendoza Advocates for Dual Vocational Training as an Opportunity Engine in the Canary Islands
ASG deputy highlights the importance of Dual Vocational Training for youth employability and inter-island equality.
By Idaira Santana Dorta
••3 min read
IA
Graduation cap on books in a classroom in the Canary Islands.
The President of the ASG Parliamentary Group, Melodie Mendoza, stated in the Canary Islands Parliament that Dual Vocational Training is a key "policy of opportunities" for the future of the islands' youth.
Melodie Mendoza, leader of the Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG) Parliamentary Group, emphasized during the plenary session of the Canary Islands Parliament that Dual Vocational Training transcends a mere educational reform to become a "policy of opportunities." Its aim is to link training with the labor market, promote equality among the different islands, and enable young people to build their professional and personal future within the archipelago.
Mendoza advocated for the continuous improvement of the Dual Vocational Training offer, particularly in the Green Islands, where she believes there is potential to expand academic options and align training with the real demands of the Canary labor market.
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"The data reflects significant progress in the connection between educational centers, students, and the business fabric."
During the Education counselor's appearance, the Dual Vocational Training model was positively assessed, noting that in the 2024-2025 academic year, over 28,000 students participated in company internships, and more than 5,000 companies were involved in the program. A remarkable 92% of students expressed their satisfaction and willingness to repeat the experience.
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"These are figures that show the connection between training and employment is working and that Dual Vocational Training is moving in the right direction."
However, Mendoza pointed out the "enormous effort" that the generalization of this model has entailed for educational centers, teaching staff, and collaborating companies, especially for SMEs, which form the majority of the Canary productive fabric. She urged not to demand more training responsibilities from them without offering greater support, advice, and facilitating tools.
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"We cannot demand more training responsibilities from them if we do not continue to offer them, at the same time, more support, more advice, and more tools to facilitate their participation."
The ASG deputy also highlighted the need for specific attention to the non-capital islands, acknowledging disparities in conditions, business size, and training opportunities. She cited La Gomera as an example, where the establishment of the Integrated Vocational Training Center in San Sebastián de La Gomera has been a "historic step" to prevent young people from having to relocate for their education.
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"The launch of the Integrated Vocational Training Center in San Sebastián de La Gomera has been a historic step to bring specialized training closer to our young people and ensure they can develop their talent without having to leave their family and social environment."
ASG reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that consolidate Dual Vocational Training, promote equal opportunities across islands, and adapt training to the real economic and social needs of the Canary Islands.
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"When we talk about Dual Vocational Training, we are talking about opportunities."
