The new degree linked to AI that premieres this academic year in the Balearic Islands

PalmaArtificial intelligence arrives at Vocational Training in the Balearic Islands with new specific training. The CIFP Politècnic de Llevant will launch this academic year the specialization course in Machine Learning, Data Management and Training, one of the main novelties of the vocational training offer presented this Wednesday by the Minister of Education and Universities, Antoni Vera. It is not the only addition. The Ministry is expanding the offer with 25 new training cycles – five basic grade, ten intermediate grade and ten higher grade – and two specialization courses. In total, the Balearic Islands will have 136 cycles corresponding to 24 professional families this academic year.

The increase in the offer also translates into more places. There will be 14,479 first-year places, 464 more than last academic year and 1,507 more than the 2023-2024 academic year. In total, more than 21,000 students will study vocational training this year, with a staff of 2,088 teachers, 81 more than last academic year and 359 more than two years ago.

Environmental health and safe mobility

Among the new studies is also Environmental Health, which is being expanded to IES Josep Maria Llompart, and the higher degree in Training for Safe and Sustainable Mobility, which will be taught at IES Guillem Sagrera. The offer also incorporates the specialization course in Cell Cultures at the CIFP Francesc de Borja Moll. Education will also reinforce professional certificates, among which is the one for Dry Stone, which will be held at the Polytechnic and at the Raixa estate. Vera has highlighted that this training responds to a historical demand from the sector.

Health, Administration and Management, Informatics and Communications, Physical and Sports Activities, Sociocultural and Community Services, Electricity and Electronics, and Transport and Vehicle Maintenance are, according to the minister, some of the families with the highest demand among students. "We know that there are families on waiting lists, but the offer is made based on market demands," noted Vera.

2,088 teachers and 60 centers

Vocational Training studies are being taught this academic year in 60 centers: 12 CIFP, 10 charter centers, six CEPA, and two art schools, according to data provided by Education. By islands, Mallorca concentrates 11,523 first-year places, Menorca has 1,230; Ibiza, 1,613, and Formentera, 113. Enrollments for vacant places can be formalized between September 21 and October 16. In the case of basic degrees, enrollment will be open until October 30. Vera has defended the expansion of VET as a tool to combat school dropout. According to data provided by the minister, the rate stood at 15.2% in May, five points below the 20.14% of 2024.

The expansion of the educational offer is also accompanied by new infrastructure. On Monday, the inauguration of the Ciutadella Vocational Training Center (CIFP) for Hospitality and Tourism is scheduled, with 420 students, five vocational training cycles, and three professional certificates. The Department of Education also plans for the new Polytechnic CIFP in Palma, the CIFP in Cala Millor, the CIFP in Es Castell, and the CIFP in Alcúdia, which specializes in Hospitality and Tourism. Additionally, a new Nautical-Fishing School is planned at the Moll Vell, as well as the renovation of the CIFP Can Marines in Santa Eulària des Riu. In Mallorca, there are also plans to expand agricultural studies at the new IES Son Ferriol and to expand the IES Guillem Colom Casasnovas in Sóller with the Cooking and Catering departments.

14,197 students in special regime education

Beyond vocational training (FP), special regime studies will have 14,197 students this academic year. The Ministry is also expanding the offer and infrastructure in this area. In Sóller, there will be a new classroom for the Official School of Languages (EOI), with new levels of English and also Korean language. The CIFP Juníper Serra will incorporate the EOI-FP program in German. In the musical field, elementary grade organ workshops will be launched, as well as a new extension classroom for the Conservatory in Santanyí. In Ibiza, the Education Department plans a new EOI branch, which is intended to serve as a model for future branches in Manacor, Inca, Maó, and Palma. Menorca will also have a new branch of the Professional Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Adult Education Centers (CEPA) had 14,262 students in the 2025-2026 academic year and keep enrollment open throughout the year. This allows students to be incorporated into the different courses even after the school year has begun. One of the novelties is the incorporation of the General Baccalaureate for adults at CEPA Pilar Benejam and CEPA Pitiüses. Vera has also highlighted the flexible Baccalaureate, which allows for enrollment by subject and facilitates work-life balance. Thus, the educational offer presented by the Education Department for this academic year expands the Vocational Training pathways, but also incorporates new options in languages, artistic studies, and adult education.