> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 84,674 Start Vocational Training in Catalonia - URL: https://barna.news/84-674-start-vocational-training-in/ - Published: 2026-10-24T07:50:16.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T08:22:04.000Z - Description: New data shows 84,674 students have enrolled in first-year vocational training in Catalonia, but it remains unclear how many secured their preferred course or location. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: education ## Enrolment figure masks access challenges 84,674 young people have enrolled in the first year of intermediate and higher vocational training cycles in Catalonia as of 6th October 2026, according to figures compiled by Diari de Catalunya and based on data from the Departament d’Educació i Formació Professional. The number includes 46,882 students in intermediate-level cycles (GM) and 37,792 in higher-level cycles (GS). However, this enrolment figure does not reveal how many students obtained their first-choice course or training centre. The process involves multiple stages: pre-enrolment, assignment, and formal enrolment. The final count only reflects those who successfully registered, not whether they received their preferred option. --- ## Surplus and shortage coexist On 8th September 2026, a publicly available map showed 13,829 vacant places across vocational training cycles in Catalonia, 6,427 at intermediate level and 7,402 at higher level. By 21st September, that number had dropped to 7,394, indicating ongoing placements after the official start of the academic year on 14th September. Despite available places, demand is unevenly distributed. Some cycles are oversubscribed while others have vacancies, meaning students may be unable to access their preferred specialisation even as other courses struggle to fill places. This imbalance affects sectors such as healthcare, IT, industrial maintenance, and transport, where trained technicians are in demand. - As of 9th October, 1,554 out of 2,710 unassigned priority students for intermediate training (57.3%) had enrolled in a registered course, with 70% entering intermediate-level training. - For higher-level training, 1,372 out of 3,811 unassigned priority applicants (36%) had enrolled, with 92.8% entering higher-level cycles. Students who did not appear in the student registry (RALC) may have opted for alternative pathways such as adult education, non-face-to-face private vocational training, employment, or university study. --- ## Geographic and structural disparities The availability of vocational training cycles varies significantly across Catalonia. Urban and economically active areas offer a broader range of courses, while students in more remote regions may need to travel to another municipality, creating additional costs and logistical challenges. The overall enrolment figure does not reflect these disparities. A full assessment would require regional breakdowns of available places, unfilled vacancies, and demand by specialisation. It would also need to distinguish between publicly funded and other models, as family costs can differ. > The question is no longer just how many young people have started vocational training, but how many have been able to study what they wanted, close to home, and under conditions that allow them to complete their training. The Departament d’Educació now faces the task of comparing enrolment numbers with pre-enrolment outcomes. Key metrics include the percentage of applicants who obtained their first choice, how many received alternatives, and how many were left without a place. Data from the previous academic year should also be compared to assess whether demand is being better absorbed. --- ## What this means for you Families and students seeking vocational training can monitor the [official statistics portal](https://educacio.gencat.cat/ca/departament/estadistiques/estadistiques-ensenyament/visualitzacio-dades/?ref=barna.news) for updates on course availability and enrolment trends. The [Department of Education’s pre-enrolment and enrolment queries page](https://educacio.gencat.cat/ca/actualitat/BLL-preinscripcio-i-matriculacio-consultes?ref=barna.news) provides guidance on the application process and support options for those who did not secure an initial place. --- *Sources:* [*CatalunyaPress*](https://www.catalunyapress.es/articulo/sociedad/2026-10-24/6062183-jovenes-catalanes-enfrentan-reto-conseguir-plaza-deseada-fp-catalunya?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Generalitat de Catalunya*](https://educacio.gencat.cat/ca/departament/estadistiques/estadistiques-ensenyament/visualitzacio-dades/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*diaricatalunya.cat*](https://diaricatalunya.cat/en/girones/general/over-84600-students-enrolled-in-vocational-training-with-the-course-already-started?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [25% of Barcelona Schoolchildren in Vulnerable Situations](https://barna.news/25-of-barcelona-schoolchildren-in/) - [Students Demand Later School Start and Education Reform](https://barna.news/students-demand-later-school-start-and/) - [Catalonia's Education Debate Focuses on Inclusion, Teachers, Families](https://barna.news/catalonia-s-education-debate-focuses-on/)