An Innovative Educational Model
The University of Lleida (UdL) positions itself as a benchmark in higher education by announcing its intention to expand the dual training model to a broader range of degrees. This approach, which combines theoretical training with real work experiences, has proven effective in areas such as Engineering and Education, and its implementation is now anticipated in the new degree in Data Science.
The recent report titled ‘Building from the Territory: Dual Training at the University of Lleida. A Practical Case’, prepared by the Bertelsmann Foundation, highlights the achievements and characteristics of the educational model implemented by UdL. During an event held at the Rectorate building, Maria Àngels Balsells, the university's rector, emphasized the institutional commitment to local development and youth employability.
One of the particularities that distinguishes this model is its emphasis on considering the student as a trainee worker through employment contracts. Ferran Badia, a professor promoting the dual system, explained that this methodology allows for part of the academic learning to be transferred to the companies where students carry out their internships. “We do not send the student to do internships; we train them directly within the work environment,” Badia stated.
Ramon Carulla, director of the People, Sustainability and Organisation department at Ros Roca —a collaborating company— stressed that this system benefits not only the students but also the companies by providing them with direct access to young talent already integrated into their organisational culture. Over the past decade, they have incorporated around twenty new workers thanks to this model.
As this educational approach consolidates, new challenges arise. The report suggests extending this experience to areas such as business administration and management or applied social sciences. Furthermore, there are plans to internationalise the programme through student exchanges abroad or collaborations with multinational companies.
It is no coincidence that UdL is considered a pioneer; it was one of the first Spanish institutions to implement regulations for mandatory internships since 2008. Since then, it has expanded its dual educational offerings to include degrees such as Technical Architecture and Building and Digital Interaction Techniques and Computing.
As this educational initiative progresses, it is expected that more universities will follow the example set by UdL to improve youth employability in Spain.
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