The SEAT Apprentice School is now getting ready for the start of the 2017-2018 academic year and has opened the pre-registration period, which concludes on 26 May. In September, 74 young students will have the opportunity to follow one of the three dual Vocational Training programmes lasting three years on offer by the School, which combine classroom theory with practical work experience in the SEAT production plants.
During the 2017-2018 academic year, the centre will offer three middle grade vocational training cycles: Machining, Electromechanical Maintenance and Vehicle Electromechanical Technicians. The three programs comprise 4,624 hours spread over three years. More than half of these hours correspond to on-the-job experience at the SEAT facilities in Martorell, Zona Franca or El Prat de Llobregat, in a position related to the field of study. In addition, the students sign a labour contract for training and apprenticeship which enables them to make contributions to Social Security and receive monthly remuneration based on the practical work performed in the company.
All those interested in more information about the training programmes offered by the School can attend the open doors event being held next 22 April, where future students and their families can visit the School’s workshops and classrooms, learn about the theoretic and practical approach of the modules and even complete their pre-registration on-site.
SEAT is one of the companies that allocates the most resources to education in Spain, with an average annual training investment for its workers of 16 million euros, 4.5 times more than the national average. In addition, SEAT is the largest creator of employment in the industrial sector in Spain. Since 2012 it has increased its workforce by 2.2%, compared to a sector decline of 0.1%. Of every ten labour contracts, more than five are held by workers under the age of 30.
Laura Carnicero, SEAT’s Training administrator, explains that “of the 2,600 students who have attended the Apprentice School in the 60 years of its history, nearly all who completed their training worked at SEAT and 11% hold a managerial position in the company. Figures such as these attest to the quality and excellence of the training programmes, as well as the high technical level of the facilities and trainer expertise. We are committed to continuous improvement and this enables us to respond to the needs of the automotive industry with qualified, skilled professionals”.
The SEAT Apprentice School, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is a centre of excellence for vocational training, and has become a benchmark in Spain in Dual Vocational Training. Over the past sixty years, the Apprentice School has adapted to changes and developments in vocational training plans, adding pioneering programmes such as the 2012 implementation of the Dual Vocational Training system, which is based on the German model. Since it opened, 2,600 students have received training at the SEAT Apprentice School.
Selection process
To be eligible for an opening on offer, candidates must have completed Compulsory Secondary School or have an equivalent qualification when formalising their enrolment. All young hopefuls can submit their application online via the SEAT Employment Portal.
After the selection process which includes psychometric testing, a personal interview and an academic record assessment, in September the selected candidates will begin their first course of training. Detailed information about the facilities, educational offer and pre-registration requirements is available on the School’s website http://seatjobs.seat.es/escuela-de-aprendices-de-seat/.
