5 Major Priorities Of Carolina León Martínez: The New Director General Steering FP Canarias Into 2026
The landscape of Vocational Training (Formación Profesional or FP) in the Canary Islands is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a new leadership focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital adaptation. As of the most recent appointments within the regional government, the figure steering this change is Dña. Carolina León Martínez, the Director General of Vocational Training and Special Regime Education (Dirección General de Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Régimen Especial). Her tenure, which began with her formal appointment in September 2024, marks a crucial pivot point for the archipelago's educational strategy, aligning professional training directly with the evolving demands of the Canarian labor market for the 2025 and 2026 academic years.
The strategic direction under the new Director General is not merely an administrative shuffle; it represents a concentrated effort by the Consejería de Educación, Formación Profesional, Actividad Física y Deportes to modernize the FP system. This includes a major push for Dual Vocational Training, expanding the distance learning offer, and fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture among students, positioning the Canary Islands as a hub for skilled, future-ready professionals.
Carolina León Martínez: A Profile in Leadership and Professional Qualifications
Dña. Carolina León Martínez brings a diverse and robust professional background to her role as the Director General of Vocational Training and Special Regime Education. Her career path blends extensive legal expertise with a strong focus on executive development and management skills, providing a unique perspective on educational administration and its link to the professional world. Her appointment, formalized by DECRETO 149/2024 on September 16, 2024, cemented her role at the forefront of the Canarian educational system.
Biography and Professional Trajectory:
- Full Name: Dña. Carolina León Martínez
- Current Position: Director General of Vocational Training and Special Regime Education (Directora General de Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Régimen Especial)
- Government Entity: Consejería de Educación, Formación Profesional, Actividad Física y Deportes, Gobierno de Canarias.
- Appointment Date: September 2024 (DECRETO 149/2024).
- Previous Executive Role (2023-2024): Director General of Centers, Schooling and Complementary Services (Directora General de Centros, Escolarización y Servicios Complementarios).
- Legal Career: Active lawyer (Abogada) since 2006, notably with the law firm “León Fernandez & De La Rosa.”
- Corporate Experience: Regional Director of Tractio Risk S.L. (September 2017 – 2020), where she was responsible for launching the Canary Islands delegation.
- Specialized Training: Formadora en habilidades directivas (trainer in management skills) and holds a Master's in Executive Development, Emotional Intelligence, and Team Coaching from EAE Business School, as well as a Master's in Legal Practice.
León Martínez’s experience in both the private sector and previous high-level government roles, such as the Director General of Centers, Escolarization, and Complementary Services, provides her with a holistic understanding of the administrative and practical challenges facing the Canarian education system. This blend of legal, corporate, and educational governance expertise is seen as a key asset in implementing the new, complex legislation governing Vocational Training.
The 5 Pillars of the FP Canarias Strategy (2025-2026)
The current administration, under the leadership of Carolina León Martínez, has clearly defined its strategic goals for Vocational Training. These priorities are designed to make FP a more flexible, relevant, and attractive option for students across the islands, directly addressing the regional economy's need for qualified personnel. The following five areas represent the core focus for the 2025 and 2026 academic cycles.
1. Boosting Entrepreneurial Culture and Talent Recognition
A central tenet of the new strategy is to move beyond mere technical instruction and actively cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among FP students. Director General León Martínez has emphasized the importance of programs like the FP Awards (Premios FP), which serve to recognize and reward innovative projects and the development of talent. This focus is intended to encourage students to view their professional qualifications not just as a path to employment, but as a foundation for creating their own businesses and contributing directly to the Canarian economy. This initiative is vital for diversifying the job market beyond traditional sectors like tourism.
2. Expansion of Dual Vocational Training (FP Dual)
The implementation and expansion of the FP Dual model remains a top priority for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond. This model, which significantly increases the time students spend training within a real company environment, is seen as the most effective way to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands. The Director General and her team are working closely with businesses and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective transition to the new Dual FP structures, aiming to provide students with practical, high-quality professional experience from day one.
3. Modernizing the Distance Learning Offer (Oferta a Distancia 2025-2026)
Recognizing the geographical challenges of an archipelago, a key focus for the 2025-2026 academic year is the significant enhancement and expansion of the Distance Learning Offer (Oferta formativa a Distancia). This initiative aims to ensure that high-quality Vocational Training is accessible to all residents, regardless of their location on islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura, or their personal circumstances. The new framework includes specific application periods and a wider range of course options, making FP a viable option for working professionals seeking upskilling or reskilling, as well as for students who prefer a more flexible educational format.
4. Internationalization and the Erasmus+ Program
Under the new direction, the international dimension of FP is gaining significant traction. The Canary Islands' success in the Erasmus+ 2025 program, which saw the region secure four national recognitions, highlights the commitment to globalizing the FP experience. The Director General is focused on leveraging European funds and programs to facilitate student and teacher mobility. This allows Canarian students to gain crucial international experience and bring back best practices, ensuring the region's professional qualifications are competitive on a European scale. Internationalization is key to future-proofing the workforce.
5. Implementation of New Educational Legislation
A substantial part of the Director General's work involves overseeing the implementation of new national and regional educational decrees and instructions. This includes the complex process of adapting the entire FP system to the latest regulations, which often involves restructuring curricula, defining new professional qualifications, and ensuring all educational centers comply with the updated standards. For instance, resolutions and instructions for the implementation of new structures were published in early 2025, demonstrating the rapid pace of legislative and administrative change under her guidance. This ensures the quality and official recognition of all FP titles awarded in the Canary Islands.
The Future of Vocational Training in the Archipelago
The direction set by Carolina León Martínez for the Dirección General de Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Régimen Especial is clearly focused on creating a resilient, innovative, and highly adaptable professional workforce. The emphasis on practical, work-integrated learning (FP Dual), coupled with accessible remote education (Oferta a Distancia), demonstrates a commitment to both employers and students across the Canarian territory. The strategic integration of entrepreneurial skills and international exposure through programs like Erasmus+ is designed to elevate the status of Vocational Training, transforming it from a secondary option into a powerful engine for the region's economic growth and a primary pathway for career success for thousands of young people and adults in the Canary Islands.
As the academic calendar progresses through 2025 and into 2026, all eyes will be on the execution of these five key pillars. The success of these initiatives will ultimately determine the competitive edge of the Canarian workforce in sectors ranging from tourism and renewable energy to digital industries and specialized services.
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