Informal Learning of Vulnerable People in Vocational Training

Early school leavers, adults who have been kept apart from society for experiencing addictions or prison, or migrants with difficult access to formal education, are considered vulnerable populations whose enrolment in formal and vocational education is restricted. In Spain, these choices are often provided by Third Sector organisations. These institutions provide vocational training promoting social and personal development, for which practical training, experiential learning and on-the-job learning are current practice. Informal learning becomes a possibility to reengage into educational practice, whenever there is a past harsh life experience upon which people can build and reflect. Informal learning becomes a chance when people lack basic skills, cultural references or the language, common features among young migrants. These people, when enrolled in vocational training, often are supported through social and personal accompanying measures. In this paper, drawing on our own research, I discuss different features of informal learning that help explain vocational training within work integration enterprises (WISEs) and second chance schools (SCSs). We are currently investigating the vocational training offer provided by the Third Sector of Social Action. In their contribution to social inclusion, these organisations tend to consider vocational training and access to the labour market part of their duty. Both WISEs and SCSs in Spain are promoted by civic organisations, and they are structured as learning contexts.