The Fundación Estatal para la Formación en el Empleo (FUNDAE, the Spanish state foundation for workplace training) allows company employees to take language classes… even completely free of charge! We explain all the key points of subsidised training in this set of frequently asked questions.
1. What is FUNDAE?
FUNDAE is the Fundación Estatal para la Formación en el Empleo in Spain, a public body. Its main purpose is to promote and fund training for workers and companies in order to improve employability and competitiveness in the labour market. In other words, to improve employees’ skills so that they do their jobs better. FUNDAE has long been known colloquially as the “tripartite foundation” (because it brings together three parties: the State, employers’ organisations and trade unions).
2. What is the training credit?
It is the number of “teaching hours” a company has available to deliver courses – language courses, in our case – to its employees. That credit depends on several factors, such as the size of the workforce. It can be used to fund a given number of language classes, and may cover up to 100% of the cost, making them completely free.
3. Does Alos help companies with the paperwork?
Yes. At Alos we help you with all the paperwork. If you run a company or are responsible for managing this area, we can support you through every step so that you can use the credit you are entitled to and your employees can take language classes with us at up to 100% no cost.
4. How are the courses paid for and reimbursed?
The initial cost of the language courses is borne by the company but, once the classes have finished, that outlay is recovered through a reduction in the social security contributions the company pays each month for its employees.
5. What requirements must companies meet in order to receive this training?
The main requirements are being up to date with payments to the Seguridad Social (Spanish social security) and Hacienda (the Spanish tax authority), as well as being listed in the Registro Estatal de Entidades de Formación (the Spanish state register of training providers). Alos also helps you with this procedure and with your registration.
6. Will I still receive the reimbursement if my employees do not attend class?
No. Overall attendance of at least 75% of the course must be completed.
7. Does the training have to be in person or can it be online?
Courses can be delivered either in person or online. In the second case, this can be done through e-learning or through live streaming in a virtual classroom. The only difference is that e-learning receives a smaller reimbursement. Would you like to set up a language course for your employees at 100% no cost? Get in touch with us and we will help you with all the paperwork.