The concept of lifelong learning in Spain has evolved since the 1970s, when it focused on providing training to the adult population. In the 1990s, it adopted a broader perspective aimed at preparing students to learn autonomously and adapt to the knowledge society, while also promoting distance education through the establishment of CIDEAD in 1992. In 2002, the National Catalogue of Professional Qualifications was created (now replaced by the National Catalogue of Professional Competency Standards -CNECP-), and in 2007 the vocational education and training (VET) for employment subsystem was established, integrating initiatives targeting the working population.

Between 2019 and 2022, the First Strategic Plan for Vocational Training was implemented, aimed at creating an integrated career guidance system, improving administrative coordination, promoting gender equality, and strengthening system regulation. In 2020, responsibility for VET for employment was transferred to the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports (MEFD) and the Organic Law on Education (LOMLOE) incorporated non-formal education into the lifelong learning framework. In the same year, the Strategic Plan for VET was complemented by the VET Modernisation Plan, which focuses on the recognition and accreditation of skills, more flexible access pathways, and the integration of digitalisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, in line with European policy documents adopted since 2016. Organic Law 3/2022 further reinforced the continuous updating of VET provision and extended dual training to all VET programmes from the 2024–2025 academic year. 

Strategic and training actions of the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports

Building on the Lisbon Strategy, the LOE and the LOMLOE consolidated a comprehensive approach to lifelong learning. To support the development of lifelong learning policies, in 2014 the MEFD, in cooperation with the autonomous communities, promoted the Strategic Lifelong Learning Plan, aimed at strengthening continuing education and training and contributing to the objectives of the 2020 Education Strategy. The plan sought to modernise education and training systems, adapt teaching methodologies to adult learners, increase the flexibility of training provision, connect different learning pathways, and recognize and certify skills. It served as a common reference framework for regional plans and supported the implementation in Spain of the 2007 Action Plan It’s never too late to learn. Its strategic lines focused on access to guidance, improvement and innovation in continuing education, adaptation to personal and professional needs, flexibility of learning pathways, and increased citizen participation and skills development.

Among the MEFD's strategic initiatives are the VET portal and an integrated career information and guidance system, which includes ACREDITA, Todo FP, Euroguidance Spain, and training programs offered by the National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training (INTEF). The Ministry has also developed the Spanish Qualifications Framework (MECU) and the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (MECES).

The management of lifelong learning falls to several bodies within the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports (MEFD):

• the Deputy Directorate-General for Centres and Programmes manages provision for adults, distance education, and training programmes;
• the Deputy Directorate-General for Education Inspection responsible for inspection and monitoring at the regional level;
• the Professional Guidance and Lifelong Learning Unit manages the accreditation of skills, coordinates with regional administrations on VET and lifelong learning, promotes vocational guidance and training, and maintains portals and platforms to facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and resources;
• the Deputy Directorate-General for Academic Organisation is responsible for the academic organisation of adult education outside higher education and VET;

Training activities of Educational Authorities and other Public Administrations

Lifelong learning provision includes initiatives implemented by state, regional, and local educational authorities, labour authorities, and non-profit organisations.

These bodies identify emerging skills needs, promote flexible learning opportunities, facilitate access to post-compulsory secondary education, and provide information and guidance on available learning opportunities.

They offer basic and post-compulsory education, preparation for university entrance examinations, basic VET, digital skills training, language courses, personal and social development programmes, and vocational workshops co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF+).

Training is delivered through face-to-face provision at Adult Education Centres and selected secondary schools, as well as through distance learning offered by regional governments, the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports (in the cities of Ceuta and Melilla), the Centre for Digital Innovation and Distance Education (CIDEAD), and Mentor Classrooms, with courses organised into constantly updated training areas.