Vocational training surpasses universities at the Education Fair: “I want to make video games and this is the fastest way”

BarcelonaActors made up as cats that resemble celebrities theriansFormula 1 cars, chocolate fountains, music booths where you can create your own song, and agents of all kinds in eye-catching uniforms. Entering Hall 2 of the Education Fair and not being entertained for a while is almost impossible, and perhaps all these attractions explain—in part—the change the educational guidance fair has undergone to reach its current state: this year, for the first time, there are more exhibitors of vocational training (FP).

"I want to work making video games, and doing a vocational training course is the fastest way," says Hugo, a 10th-grade student who is just deciding whether to do the baccalaureate or opt for a vocational training course. He explains this while watching a designer paint the details of a medieval warrior who will star in a future video game with a kind of digital brush. They are in the space advertising a vocational training course in video game creation and production.

Not far away, at one of the 230 booths at this year's trade fair, Marta asks questions of one of the advisors who is explaining the details of the healthcare vocational training programs. "It's the only vocational training program left that only lasts one year. If you start in September and pass everything, you do your internship in February and you'll have your qualification in May," the advisor explains before listing the program's details. "You have 13 subjects, 400 hours of internship, and you'll learn everything from basic care to the documentation you need to manage as a nurse," he continues.

The army controversy

As every year, one of the most anticipated exhibits is that of the Spanish army, which this year has set up the cockpit of a fighter jet so that teenagers can climb inside and, upon exiting, receive a souvenir bracelet with the Spanish flag. This corner of the Education Fair has generated much criticism and drawn reproaches from a group of protesters and union members. "Out, out, out with the army from schools!" they chanted. performance wearing masks of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. The response from some teenagers has been shouts of "Long live the Spanish army".

The claim of stays abroad

Despite the rise of vocational training, Hall 1—which encompasses the programs of Catalonia's 12 public and private universities—has also been a hive of activity for teenagers, many of whom already knew what they wanted to study, but not where. "I know I want to study medicine and I'd like to do it at Pompeu Fabra University, but I haven't decided yet," says Alicia while queuing with a friend for information on other degrees, such as biomedicine and environmental science. There are also long lines at the stands for education, communication, and engineering programs, but especially at the information points for double degrees. "I think having a double degree gives you a bit more leeway to figure out what you like," explains Carlos, looking at the stand for the mathematics and data science degree at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).

This Wednesday morning, most visitors to the Education Fair were school groups, but the new director, Ángel Celorrio, says they expect many more to come with their parents in the afternoons and on weekends. "Families are increasingly interested in knowing what options are available to their children, which is why, with the guidance service, we no longer focus solely on the student, but also offer guided tours and talks aimed directly at families," Celorrio explains. He concludes, "Ultimately, it's a very important decision, and ideally, it should be supported by their parents."