Formació

Formació is the Catalan term for the process of education and training, encompassing the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competences through formal education, vocational training, and informal learning. It is used in education policy, labor market strategies, and personal development to describe how individuals prepare for professional and social participation.

Formació can be categorized into formal, non-formal, and informal forms. Formal formació includes school-based education (primary, secondary, higher education) and officially sanctioned programmes. Non-formal formació comprises organized courses, workshops, and professional certificates outside the formal school system. Informal formació covers learning that occurs through daily work, family, community activities, and self-directed study. In Catalan contexts, terms such as formació professional (vocational training) and formació contínua (lifelong learning or continuing training) are commonly used.

In Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking areas, formació is shaped by public education authorities, curricula, and funding mechanisms, with a growing emphasis on developing competences, digital literacies, and flexibility to respond to labor market needs. European and global trends—such as recognition of prior learning, micro-credentials, and e-learning—have influenced formació policies, curricula, and assessment frameworks.

The goal of formació is to empower individuals to participate effectively in the economy and society, support lifelong learning, and improve social mobility. Critics note challenges in equal access, quality assurance, and alignment with labor market requirements.