Agreement between the Community of Madrid and ACEX to promote Vocational Training in Building and Civil Works

The Community of Madrid, through the Department of Education, Science and Universities, and the Association of Infrastructure Conservation and Operation Companies (ACEX) have signed a collaboration agreement, dated August 6, 2026, to develop joint actions to improve the learning of Higher Level Vocational Training (FP) in Building and Civil Works. The agreement is published in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM) number 201, of August 24, 2026, within the Department’s announcements section (reference BOCM-20260824-7).

The document is signed, on behalf of the regional Administration, by the counselor Mercedes Zarzalejo Carbajo, and, on behalf of the association, by its president Federico Soria Martínez. The agreement is framed within the development of Organic Law 3/2022, of March 31, on the organization and integration of Vocational Training, and Decree 27/2025, of May 21, which regulates the Vocational Training System of the Community of Madrid.

A plan to bring Vocational Training closer to the road sector

The purpose of the agreement is to jointly organize and develop a plan for the updating, promotion, guidance, and training of Vocational Training (FP) teachings in the field of road conservation, deepening the professional, personal, and social competencies associated with this area. ACEX, which brings together more than 30 companies dedicated to the conservation of road infrastructure, provides its sector knowledge to attract young talent and train future professionals.

Among the planned actions, the following stand out:

• The implementation of the new optional modules “General Aspects and Fundamentals of Road Conservation” and “Road Network, Asset Management and Road Safety” in the higher-level cycles of the Building and Civil Works professional family.
• The updating of the study plans and the contents of each academic year, with advice from ACEX.
• The supply of didactic material for pedagogical use in educational centers.
• The permanent training of teachers, with Q&A sessions for the specialized modules.
• The delivery of masterclass sessions by prestigious professionals and informative professional guidance days for students.
• The facilitation of internships in associated companies during the course of studies.

Commitments and monitoring of the agreement

The Department of Education, Science and Universities commits to promoting meetings with educational centers, convening sector experts in the working groups for updating study plans, and driving the permanent training of teachers. For its part, ACEX will provide advice on the review of contents and promote the described training and informative actions.

To ensure correct execution, a joint monitoring commission will be established, composed of two representatives from each party:

• For the Ministry: the head of the General Directorate of Secondary Education, Vocational Training and Special Regime and the head of the Sub-directorate General of Vocational Training Centers and Special Regime.
• For ACEX: Federico Soria Martínez and Mercedes Castro Rodríguez.

The commission must meet at least once a year and will resolve any interpretation problems that may arise.

Validity and Economic Scope

The agreement does not entail any financial commitment for either party. Its duration extends for four years from the date of signing, with the possibility of extension for an equal or shorter period, provided that the sum of the extensions does not exceed four additional years. The intention to extend must be expressed three months prior to expiration.

The agreement strengthens public-private collaboration in Madrid’s Vocational Training and brings the road maintenance labor market closer to students, a sector with a demand for qualified professionals. For students of Building and Civil Works, it represents a direct channel of contact with companies and training more closely aligned with the real needs of the sector.

Source: Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid, no. 201, August 24, 2026, section I.D) Announcements, Ministry of Education, Science and Universities, pp. 37-42 (official reference: BOCM-20260824-7).