DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
Network of Ambassadors for Dual Vocational Training (Somos FP Dual)
Overview
Somos FP Dual is a Spanish initiative launched by Fundación Bertelsmann, Lidl Supermercados, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce to promote Dual Vocational Education and Training (FP Dual) through a youth-led network of ambassadors. It was created to address low awareness and social stigma surrounding vocational training, especially among young people and families unfamiliar with its benefits or sceptical of its quality.
The initiative supports secondary students, vocational learners, educators, families, and employers. Its core actors are young ambassadors—current or former FP Dual students—who share their experiences through talks, media outreach, and social networks to inspire others and show the real impact of FP Dual on personal and professional development.
From an inclusion perspective, Somos FP Dual actively empowers underrepresented groups, including youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural areas, first-generation students, and young women entering male-dominated fields. By sharing diverse success stories and providing relatable role models, the initiative breaks down barriers of perception, supports informed decision-making, and promotes equal access to work-based learning opportunities.
The programme operates throughout Spain, with ambassadors active in all autonomous regions. It has reached tens of thousands of students and is recognised as a best practice in youth employability and inclusive vocational promotion at the European level.
The initiative supports secondary students, vocational learners, educators, families, and employers. Its core actors are young ambassadors—current or former FP Dual students—who share their experiences through talks, media outreach, and social networks to inspire others and show the real impact of FP Dual on personal and professional development.
From an inclusion perspective, Somos FP Dual actively empowers underrepresented groups, including youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural areas, first-generation students, and young women entering male-dominated fields. By sharing diverse success stories and providing relatable role models, the initiative breaks down barriers of perception, supports informed decision-making, and promotes equal access to work-based learning opportunities.
The programme operates throughout Spain, with ambassadors active in all autonomous regions. It has reached tens of thousands of students and is recognised as a best practice in youth employability and inclusive vocational promotion at the European level.
Objectives
The main goal of Somos FP Dual is to increase awareness, visibility, and social acceptance of Dual Vocational Education and Training (FP Dual) by using young ambassadors to share real-life success stories. It seeks to present FP Dual as a viable, high-quality pathway to employment and personal growth, especially for youth who may not connect with traditional academic routes.
By featuring ambassadors from diverse backgrounds—including women in male-dominated fields, rural youth, and students from low-income families—the initiative allows underrepresented groups to see themselves reflected in success stories, helping them to visualise vocational training as a pathway for their own future.Hearing directly from peers who have benefited from FP Dual builds trust and credibility, particularly in communities where vocational training is often overlooked or undervalued.
By featuring ambassadors from diverse backgrounds—including women in male-dominated fields, rural youth, and students from low-income families—the initiative allows underrepresented groups to see themselves reflected in success stories, helping them to visualise vocational training as a pathway for their own future.Hearing directly from peers who have benefited from FP Dual builds trust and credibility, particularly in communities where vocational training is often overlooked or undervalued.
Implementation
The core of the initiative is a diverse network of FP Dual students and graduates who act as volunteer ambassadors. They share personal experiences through talks in schools, youth centres, and events, as well as on digital platforms. This peer-based approach makes vocational training relatable and accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Ambassadors are selected to reflect a wide range of socio-economic, cultural, and gender backgrounds. Their stories highlight different entry points into WBL, demonstrating that success is possible regardless of origin, academic history, or gender.
Special attention is given to reaching students in rural and low-income areas, where information about WBL opportunities is often scarce. Visits to schools and local events are organised to overcome these informational gaps.
Ambassadors are selected to reflect a wide range of socio-economic, cultural, and gender backgrounds. Their stories highlight different entry points into WBL, demonstrating that success is possible regardless of origin, academic history, or gender.
Special attention is given to reaching students in rural and low-income areas, where information about WBL opportunities is often scarce. Visits to schools and local events are organised to overcome these informational gaps.
Innovative features
Digital learning tools to improve access, Specialized training tailored to different learner needs, Uses technology to improve access, Offers flexible learning options for different needs, Includes mentorship and support networks
Success stories
https://somosfpdual.es/#testimonios
Measured outcomes
Over 260 ambassadors have been trained and mobilised since the initiative’s launch in 2018.
More than 220 outreach events held in schools, fairs, companies, and public forums.
The initiative has been recognised at the European level (ETSE Goals project) as a best practice in innovation and inclusion in vocational education.
More than 220 outreach events held in schools, fairs, companies, and public forums.
The initiative has been recognised at the European level (ETSE Goals project) as a best practice in innovation and inclusion in vocational education.
Challenges and lessons learned
The Somos FP Dual initiative faced challenges such as low awareness and stigma around vocational education, difficulty reaching rural and underserved communities, and the need to maintain ambassador engagement and ensure diverse representation. These were addressed through peer-to-peer storytelling by young ambassadors, targeted outreach in remote areas, continuous support and training for ambassadors, and intentional inclusion of diverse voices. The initiative demonstrated that promoting inclusion in work-based learning requires more than access—it depends on empowering relatable role models, changing perceptions, and ensuring all young people can see vocational success as a viable, respected option.
- CountrySpain
- SectorAll sectors
- Target groupPeople at risk of poverty or social exclusion Students
Leading organisation
Bertelsmann Foundation, Lidl Supermarkets, Spanish Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the European Social Fund
Date
2018, ongoing
Key stakeholders
• VET providers and training centers
• VET Trainees
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• NGOs and social organizations
• Government agencies and policymakers
• Employers and business networks
• VET Trainees
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• NGOs and social organizations
• Government agencies and policymakers
• Employers and business networks
Number of beneficiaries
As of 2023, the Somos FP Dual initiative has established a robust network of over 260 ambassadors who actively promote Dual Vocational Education and Training (FP Dual) across Spain. These ambassadors have participated in approximately 220 events nationwide, including school visits, public talks, and media engagements, aiming to raise awareness and improve the perception of FP Dual among students, families, and educators. Through these activities, Somos FP Dual has reached and positively influenced tens of thousands of young people. The initiative's emphasis on peer-to-peer communication, where current and former FP Dual students share their personal experiences, has been particularly effective in engaging underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity in vocational education.
