The circular economy has become a global priority in addressing the growing environmental and economic challenges we face today. Unlike the traditional linear model of “take, use, and dispose,” the circular economy aims to maximize resource utilization through practices like recycling, reusing, and waste reduction. In this context, Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a fundamental role, as it prepares future technicians and professionals in key sectors such as industry, technology, agriculture, commerce, and services, where implementing sustainable and circular practices is increasingly in demand.
VET not only provides specific technical skills but also needs to include knowledge and competencies in sustainability to ensure that students become professionals committed to sustainable development. Integrating the principles of the circular economy into VET curricula allows students to understand how to apply these practices in their fields of work, giving them a competitive advantage in a job market seeking sustainable solutions. For example, in manufacturing, VET students can learn how to design products that facilitate recycling or implement production processes that minimize waste and optimize resources. In sectors like commerce and hospitality, the circular economy can be applied through waste management practices and resource optimization, while in agriculture, students can learn sustainable farming techniques and methods to reuse natural resources.
Moreover, including the circular economy in VET fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility among students. By understanding the environmental impact of their practices, they develop a critical and constructive perspective. This sustainability-oriented education accelerates the transition to an economy that seeks not only economic benefit but also environmental balance and social well-being.
The Circular Economy in Vocational Education in Spain
In Spain, implementing the circular economy in Vocational Education has become a priority with the passing of the Organic Law on the Organization and Integration of Vocational Education in 2022. This legislative framework not only modernizes the VET system but also reinforces the country’s commitment to an educational model tailored to current challenges, including sustainability. The law promotes incorporating transversal skills, with a focus on the circular economy, and encourages partnerships with companies so that students can directly experience how these practices are applied in the workforce.
One significant example of this commitment is the Entreled project, which aims to create accessible, sustainable learning resources for low-skilled learners and students with special educational needs. This project has been designed to bridge gaps in traditional VET by providing inclusive tools focused on entrepreneurship and circular economy concepts. Entreled offers innovative resources, including online training modules, educational games, and engaging, interactive materials to help students understand and apply circular economy principles in their future careers.
Our project aligns perfectly with Spain’s VET model by combining sustainability, circular economy, and entrepreneurship education. By offering an inclusive learning experience, Entreled enables students to develop entrepreneurial skills and gain a practical understanding of how sustainability and circular economy practices can be implemented across industries. This approach not only enriches VET students’ skill sets but also prepares them to meet the growing demand for sustainable practices in the labor market.
Through projects like this, Spain is leading the way in promoting a sustainable, inclusive VET system that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. Partnerships between educational centers, companies, and initiatives like Entreled ensure that VET students gain practical, relevant experience and make meaningful contributions to a balanced economy that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and professional excellence.
Incorporating the circular economy into Vocational Education and Training (VET) also presents an opportunity to create a more inclusive educational environment for individuals with disabilities. By adapting circular economy principles to be accessible and relevant to all students, including those with disabilities, VET programs can foster a culture of equal opportunity and diverse perspectives in sustainability. Projects like Entreled exemplify this approach by designing accessible learning resources that support students with diverse needs. This inclusivity ensures that future professionals, regardless of ability, can actively participate in building sustainable solutions and contribute to a circular economy that values diversity and innovation.
Such an inclusive approach not only enriches the VET system but also prepares a workforce that represents a broader range of experiences and insights, essential for driving forward a truly sustainable and socially equitable economy.
