In this article, we explain everything you need to know about Vocational Training whilst you’re already in employment, from the options available to the legal aspects you need to bear in mind.
Table of contents
What are vocational training work placements and what is their legal status?
Are vocational training work placements paid by law?
Can you undertake vocational training placements whilst on sick leave?
Can you undertake vocational training placements in the summer?
What are vocational training work placements and what is their legal status?
The Workplace Training Phase (FFE) is the compulsory work placement period that all vocational training students must undertake in one or more companies to complete their learning in a real-world work environment.
These hours spent in a company form part of the curriculum for all vocational training courses (Level D qualifications).
This phase enables students to:
- The acquisition of learning outcomes (LO) specific to the training programme.
- Become familiar with the real professional environment of the sector.
- Consolidate the skills and competences necessary for employability.
- Facilitate future entry into the workforce.
Under the general scheme, these work placements do not involve an employment relationship. In other words, there is no employment contract and no financial remuneration.
However, there is a collaboration agreement between the educational institution and the company. Furthermore, during this work placement period, students make Social Security contributions.
Are vocational training work placements paid by law?
Curricular work placements within the general vocational training system in the Community of Madrid form part of the curriculum; as they are not of an employment nature and there is no employment contract, they cannot be paid.
Can you undertake a vocational training work placement whilst working at the same time? Can you undertake your work placement at the same company where you work?
There is no ban on undertaking work placements whilst in employment, but you must bear in mind that you need to have sufficient quality time available to complete them.
The work placement timetable can sometimes be adapted, but in any case, it will always be subject to the companies’ needs, their rota arrangements and the sector to which your vocational training course belongs.
Furthermore, the Community of Madrid does not allow students to undertake work placements at the same company where they are employed.
Can you undertake vocational training work placements whilst on sick leave?
This is one of the most sensitive issues. Since January 2024, students on work placements have been registered with the Social Security system, meaning that situations of temporary incapacity and their compatibility with work have specific consequences and coverage.
In practice, if you are on sick leave (temporary incapacity), you will normally not be able to carry out activities that contravene your medical restrictions; whether an activity is compatible must be assessed by your doctor
DO NOT attempt to undertake a work placement whilst on sick leave without consulting your doctor. It could be considered incompatible with your sick leave and lead to problems with your benefits or with the company itself.
Can vocational training placements be undertaken in the summer?
There is no general rule. Each academic year may vary depending on the guidelines issued by the Regional Ministry of Education. However, you should bear in mind that extending your work-based learning (FFE) into the summer may affect the year in which you complete your qualification.
In any case, the Community of Madrid does not permit vocational training placements to take place during the month of August.
We recommend that you pay close attention to the information provided by your educational centre at the start of the academic year regarding vocational training placements and that you contact the school office with any queries.
Can you miss vocational training placements?
If you are absent for valid reasons (illness, force majeure), inform your tutor and provide supporting documentation. Unauthorised absences may affect your assessment and your ability to acquire all the skills required to pass your vocational training course.
If you need to be absent for work-related reasons, speak to your tutor at the educational centre before failing to turn up at your work placement centre.
Exemptions and credit transfers: do you have to complete the FEE if you’re already working in your chosen field?
As a general rule, the regulations allow for partial or full exemption from the FEE if you can provide evidence of work experience related to your vocational training programme. It is common practice to require proof of at least one year’s full-time experience in equivalent roles to qualify for an exemption, although the details and procedures are set by each autonomous community. However, not all vocational training programmes are eligible for exemption.
The following higher-level vocational training courses within the healthcare sector are excluded from the FFE exemption: Healthcare Documentation and Administration; Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis; Orthopaedic Prosthetics and Assistive Devices; Dental Prosthetics; Prosthetic Audiology; Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory; Radiotherapy and Dosimetry; Oral Hygiene; and Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine.
Furthermore, for all other vocational training programmes within the ‘Healthcare’ professional field and the ‘Safety and Environment’ professional field, the following shall be taken into account when deciding on applications for exemption: the provisions of Article 3.2 of Law 44/2003 of 21 November on the regulation of the health professions.
The same may apply to other regulated professions.
Practical steps and checklist: how to manage it
Check your study plan and speak to your tutor. Enquire about possible dates, the possibility of deferral and the requirements for exemption. (First step).
- Review your employment history and contracts. If you have been working full-time in equivalent roles for ≥1 year, request information on exemption from the FEE. Provide proof of employment and employer’s certificates.
- Negotiate with your current employer (if you wish to undertake your placement with the same company): request flexible working hours, a letter of cooperation or a formal agreement with the university.
- Decide on the type of placement: work placement agreement (non-employment), Dual Vocational Training or work placement contract (employment). Each has different implications for pay, working hours and social security contributions. Seek advice from the university’s administration office or work placement service.
- Keep a record of everything: collaboration agreement, commencement document, timetable, objectives and supervision sessions. Without the right paperwork, it’s very easy to run into problems.
- If you are on sick leave: inform your supervisor and the company, follow your doctor’s instructions and do not carry out any activities that are incompatible with your condition. Check who is responsible for covering your absence (health insurance provider/company/university).
Sources:
- Royal Decree regulating the general organisation of vocational training
- Social Security — information on work placements and social security contributions (effective from 1 January 2024).
- Guides on contracts and the differences between collective agreements and individual contracts (SEPE — work placement contract).
- Guidance and practical guides from training centres and specialist websites (for real-life examples and model collective agreements).
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