The agreement is national in scope and consolidates the collaboration that the Salesians and Festo have already previously established and maintained in a more informal fashion. The German company, in addition to offering technical and training consultancy to Salesian teachers, shall also provide access to its materials and educational equipment at advantageous economic conditions.
Dr Segura explained that Festo has always offered its services starting from an "educational vision", with the aim of ensuring that "technology reaches people as quickly as possible." This vision is accentuated even more today, with "ongoing technological and social change", which makes training essential, especially "for young people." Moreover, he said that "we must continue to enhance vocational training, a sector in which the Salesians have been, are and will be a point of reference."
In the same vein, Fr Pérez Godoy said, "Vocational Training is the flagship" of the Salesians. He also mentioned the difficulties sometimes arising in keeping the formation of young people updated, cutting edge, and expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Festo in this task.
Finally, Mr Elorriaga underlined the importance of the ongoing preparation of the teaching staff of the Salesian centers to give the students the best possible training and greater opportunities for job placement.
The "Festo" company is a global supplier of automated solutions that use pneumatic, electronic and network technology for all types of processes and industrial activities. They supply individual components and complete systems as well as technological and commercial consulting and training.
The Salesians in Spain run 50 CFPs, with about 16,000 students and 1,000 teachers, as well as the Salesian Social Platforms which offer professional training, thanks to the support of companies from different sectors.
Furthermore, in recent months, the Salesians in Spain have signed collaboration agreements for professional training with other major companies, such as “Schneider Electric”, “Hoffmann Group” and “Siemens”.
