Valladolid Shines in Sustainable Automotive FP Competition with Euskelec Success

Students from Valladolid have achieved remarkable success at the Euskelec sustainable mobility championship, a national competition for vocational training centers across Spain. The CIFP Juan de Herrera secured second place, while the IES Galileo earned third, marking a significant achievement for vocational training in Castilla y León. This "historic" podium finish, as described by their instructors, underscores that the education provided in the region genuinely aligns with the automotive sector's evolving needs.

Miguel Magaña, director of the CIFP Juan de Herrera, expressed immense pride in their accomplishment, stating it was an honor to represent Valladolid and Castilla y León in a competition that champions electrical energy efficiency in crucial areas like mobility. The students' journey involved not just building a vehicle but also learning to work as a cohesive team, tackling real-world engineering challenges, organizational hurdles, and race pressure.

Beyond the Track

The Euskelec competition extends far beyond the final race day. It encompasses months of dedicated work, involving both technical challenges and the development of essential soft skills such as communication and teamwork. According to Magaña, the organization sends "mini-challenges" to students throughout the academic year, emphasizing that the developmental process and problem-solving journey are as crucial as the final outcome. The winning projects from Valladolid were developed by students enrolled in vocational courses covering Vehicle Transportation and Maintenance, Electromechanics, and Automotive. These students spent the academic year designing, manufacturing, and refining the electric single-seater racing vehicles that competed in Euskelec.

Innovation and Team Effort

The team from CIFP Juan de Herrera comprised five students, including a driver selected from fifty candidates and mechanics specializing in Electromechanics and Automotive. This year, their vehicle featured an innovative gear change system, a first for their participation in such competitions. The development was supported by the Junta de Castilla y León through the Aula-Empresa program, and external assistance from companies such as Adarsa Valladolid, which provided technical advice and transport.

The IES Galileo team, with six students, also highlighted the critical role of public-private collaboration. Companies like Rojo Soluciones Metalúrgicas, Usivall, Artenox, Optima, and Sonae Arauco provided essential materials and equipment, enabling the students to build their vehicle from scratch at an estimated cost of 10,000 euros. This collaborative model demonstrates how industry partnerships are vital for practical vocational training.

Datos clave

• Aspecto: Detalle
• Competición: Euskelec 2026
• Centros Ganadores: CIFP Juan de Herrera (2º), IES Galileo (3º)
• Ubicación: Valladolid, Castilla y León
• Enfoque: Movilidad sostenible, vehículos eléctricos

Motivation and Future Prospects

Both educational institutions agree that these competitions are powerful motivators for students, bringing classroom theories to life. Miguel Magaña believes the Euskelec experience has profoundly impacted his students' personal and professional lives, instilling a lasting sense of pride. Representatives from both centers emphasized that Castilla y León is a region deeply rooted in automotive, innovation, and industry. Seeing young people commit to this sector is a source of pride and a guarantee for the future. Such projects demonstrate that vocational training opens genuine employment opportunities and directly connects students with industry needs.

The educational leaders from IES Galileo noted that their vehicle's concept, finishes, bodywork innovation, and suspension were highly praised by other participants and organizers, who remarked that Valladolid was "playing in another league." They expressed gratitude for the organization's involvement and the welcoming atmosphere throughout the competition.

This success is significant for Football Español's readership as it highlights regional talent and innovation within Spain, connecting with the broader themes of national pride and technological advancement, which often resonate with sports enthusiasts. While not directly football-related, the story showcases the spirit of competition, teamwork, and excellence found in various fields across Spain, reflecting the same values celebrated in football.

Fuente: abc.es, https://www.abc.es/espana/castilla-leon/podio-automocion-20260518083413-nt.html