Lessons from Spain: Strengthening ESF+ Impact in Upskilling through NGO Partnerships
The ESF+ Community of Practice (CoP) on Employment, Education and Skills has reached a significant milestone with the study visit ‘The Role of NGOs in Upskilling Vulnerable People’. This event follows the publication of the study ‘The Role of NGOs in Up- and Reskilling: Exploring ESF+ Supported Initiatives in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain’.
Earlier this year, the ESF+ CoP on Employment, Education and Skills thematic expert Jörg Markowitsch moderated the online event ‘Bridging Gaps in Vocational Training: The Role of NGOs and the Impact of ESF Support in Europe’, designed for individuals and organisations involved in, or interested in, education and training for socially disadvantaged groups. During this online event, participants gained valuable insights and first-hand experiences from exemplary practices in Austria and Spain.
Now, building on this foundation, the ESF+ CoP on Employment, Education and Skills has brought together ESF+ stakeholders, NGOs, and Managing Authorities to examine the crucial role of the social economy in delivering work-based learning and training — particularly for marginalised communities, including the Roma. This study visit highlighted the ongoing commitment to inclusive, skills-focused development across Europe.
Key Highlights from the Recent Study: The Growing Impact of NGOs in VET and Adult Learning
The study ‘The Role of NGOs in Up- and Reskilling: Exploring ESF+ Supported Initiatives in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain’ identified four key areas where NGOs are particularly active in supporting upskilling and reskilling efforts. These include adult basic education and second-chance programmes, which provide foundational learning opportunities for those who missed out on formal education; vocational training and apprenticeships that help individuals develop job-specific skills; Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE), which offer employment pathways for people facing barriers to the labour market; and vocational rehabilitation initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with health-related or other challenges in returning to or remaining in work.
In addition to these focus areas, the study also revealed a number of broader insights into the unique role and growing influence of NGOs within the vocational education and training (VET) and adult learning sectors:
- NGOs fill critical gaps in vocational and adult education provision, particularly for socially disadvantaged groups often overlooked by mainstream providers.
- Despite their relatively small share in the overall education landscape, NGOs are uniquely positioned to address social and educational inequalities, offering services where public or private entities fall short.
- ESF+ funding has been instrumental in the expansion and professionalisation of NGOs in the employment and skills sector. Continued support is essential for sustainability.
- From the VET perspective, NGOs contribute significantly to the inclusiveness and flexibility of vocational training systems. They often blur the line between formal and non-formal learning, encouraging system-wide innovation.
- Examples from Austria, Spain, Slovenia, and Italy show successful models of NGO-led training, such as Spain’s WISE, Austria’s second-chance programmes, and Italy’s vocational centres.
- The growing influence of NGOs depends heavily on sustained public funding and stronger recognition of their educational contributions at national and EU levels.
The Role of WISEs in Spain: Pathways to Work and Inclusion
In Spain, Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) serve as vital bridges into the labour market for socially and economically marginalised groups. These enterprises provide temporary employment — typically up to three years — alongside structured education and training that equips individuals with practical skills, qualifications, and personal development opportunities.
WISEs combine work-based learning with formal in-company training in supportive environments tailored to those at risk of exclusion, including the long-term unemployed, migrants, people with disabilities, and young people not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).
Initially rooted in civil society through flexible structures such as associations, foundations, and co-operatives, WISEs have evolved into a key component of Spain’s social economy. Legislative reforms in 2007 strengthened their transitional function by setting time-limited contracts to promote movement into mainstream employment. Today, social initiative co-operatives — offering permanent employment — represent around a third of all WISEs, playing a central role in fostering long-term inclusion.
Insights from Spain’s Study Visit
This study visit was organised to gain a deeper understanding of the role of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) as learning providers in Spain, with a particular focus on the activities of NGOs — notably the Acceder programme run by the Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG).
During the study visit, participants had the opportunity to visit UZIPEN (https://www.uzipen.es/) and HISPALED (https://www.hispaled.es/en/la-empresa/), two organisations exemplifying different approaches within the WISE framework.
The visit significantly deepened participants’ understanding of the role that NGOs play in supporting skills development. In particular, it highlighted how FSG integrates vocational training with wider social support services for vulnerable groups, demonstrating the effective use of ESF+ funding to achieve measurable impact. Observations from UZIPEN and HISPALED showcased concrete examples of how WISEs offer pathways into employment while supporting personal and professional development. These organisations also illustrated varied models of financial sustainability, which added depth to the discussions on scalability and long-term impact.
Participants appreciated the strong evidence base underpinning FSG’s programmes. The Acceder initiative, in particular, stood out for its proven effectiveness and efficiency in facilitating reintegration into the labour market. It provided a compelling example of how NGOs can deliver impactful interventions when equipped with appropriate resources and support.
Finally, the experience underscored the importance of NGOs as strategic partners within ESF+. The Spanish Managing Authority’s engagement with civil society organisations illustrated how NGOs’ extensive outreach, local knowledge, and commitment to social impact can strengthen ESF+ delivery and help reach target groups more effectively.
NGOs’ Role in Upskilling Vulnerable People through ESF+ Support
The Spanish experience highlighted several key lessons for improving ESF+ implementation through stronger engagement with NGOs. The Managing Authority explained how national funding calls are designed to involve NGOs in the upskilling and labour market reintegration of vulnerable groups. NGOs are seen as strategic partners due to their strong local presence, deep understanding of specific community needs, effective communication with target groups, well-developed networks, and proven ability to deliver impactful results with the efficient use of resources.
It was also emphasised that successful outcomes depend on carefully aligning participants with the most appropriate upskilling pathways from the beginning, along with continuous support that adapts to their changing circumstances. Programmes that avoid conditionalities and focus on building trust and inclusion over the long term have proven particularly effective.
Additionally, recent policy developments, such as the 2022 reform of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) framework, were noted as a step forward — formally recognising NGOs as training providers and allowing accreditation of non-technical courses.
Conclusion
The event proved to be a resounding success, effectively spotlighting the crucial role of NGOs in the up- and reskilling of vulnerable groups. With a special focus on ESF+-funded initiatives addressing skills gaps and labour shortages, participants gained valuable insights into how NGOs — despite not having training as their primary mission — bring unique strengths, such as outreach expertise and adaptability in times of crisis.