Spanish companies spend less on worker training than the EU average

• 

  Spanish companies spend 0.18% of total labour costs on worker training, compared with an EU average of 0.58%.

• 

  The figures come from a report by the BBVA Foundation and the Valencian Institute of Economic Research.

• 

  Companies that provide training spend an average of €521 per worker in Spain, below the EU average of €782.

• 

  The report says smaller companies’ greater share in Spain may help explain the lower overall investment.

• 

  Spain is above the EU average for participation in formal and non-formal education, but below it for informal learning.

Who

Spanish companies, as assessed in a report by the BBVA Foundation and the Valencian Institute of Economic Research.

What

They spend a smaller share of labour costs on worker training than the EU average.

When

The report was published on 13 October 2026.

Where

Spain, compared with the European Union and selected European countries.

Why

The report points to the greater share of small companies in Spain and also cites factors such as temporary work, self-employment, basic education levels and lower investment in research and development.

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