Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of August 17, 2026, from the General Technical Secretariat, publishing the Agreement between SEPE and Fundae in the field of vocational training at work |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | September 7, 2026 |
| Entry into force | September 7, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Companies, workers, training entities, trade union and business organizations |
| Category | Labor Legislation |
| Regulation it updates | SEPE-Fundae Agreement of 2021 |
| Reference regulation incorporated | Royal Decree 1189/2025 and other recent amendments |
| Official source | BOE-A-2026-18763 |
Companies that finance employee training through Social Security contribution subsidies operate under a framework that has just changed. The agreement between SEPE and Fundae, published on September 7, 2026 and in force from that same day, updates the rules of vocational training for employment in Spain.
This agreement is not a minor administrative formality: it redefines Fundae's role as a SEPE collaborating entity, incorporates changes from Royal Decree 1189/2025 and establishes new responsibilities in managing subsidies and state-level training plans. The previous agreement, signed in 2021, is superseded by this new framework.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement formalizes and updates collaboration between the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) and the State Foundation for Training in Employment (Fundae). These are the key elements it establishes:
| Aspect | Previous framework (2021) | New framework (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory basis | Regulations in force until 2025 | Incorporates Royal Decree 1189/2025 and other recent amendments |
| Fundae functions | General collaboration in management | Technical assistance, support in subsidy management and coordination of state plans |
| Training plans | General framework | Explicitly includes plans aimed at social dialogue and collective bargaining |
| Stated objective | System management | Improve quality and efficiency of the vocational training for employment system |
In practice, Fundae expands its role: it is no longer just a management channel, but assumes functions of active technical assistance and a more relevant role in coordinating state-level training plans, including those linked to social dialogue and collective bargaining.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact for companies is concentrated in two areas:
- Social Security contribution subsidies: The mechanism by which companies finance employee training remains in force, but the new agreement may modify management, validation and justification procedures through Fundae. Companies should be alert to possible changes in usual procedures on the Fundae platform.
- State-level training plans: Entities that organize or participate in these plans—especially those linked to trade union and business organizations—must review the new coordination requirements that Fundae assumes under this agreement.
From an operational perspective, the incorporation of Royal Decree 1189/2025 into the agreement framework means that subsidy management procedures align with the most recent regulations. This may result in changes to forms, deadlines or justification criteria that Fundae applies from now on.
Who does it affect?
- Companies of any size that use Social Security contribution subsidies to finance employee training.
- Training-organizing entities (training centers, consultancies, academies) that manage vocational training plans.
- Trade union and business organizations that promote training plans linked to social dialogue and collective bargaining.
- Workers who access training financed through the subsidy system.
- HR and training managers in companies that manage annual training credit with Fundae.
Practical example
A 50-employee logistics company uses its annual subsidized training credit to deliver occupational health and safety and machinery operation courses. Until now, it managed these plans through the Fundae platform under the 2021 agreement framework.
With the new agreement in force from September 7, 2026, this company must verify whether the procedures for requesting, justifying and validating training actions have changed as a result of incorporating Royal Decree 1189/2025. If Fundae updates its forms or eligibility criteria, applying previous procedures could result in the subsidy not being accepted or in requests for corrections.
The HR manager must access the Fundae platform, review official communications from the foundation and confirm that upcoming training plans comply with the new framework before starting them.
What should companies do now?
- Review current procedures on the Fundae platform: Access the Fundae platform and check for updates to forms, deadlines or justification criteria resulting from the new agreement and Royal Decree 1189/2025.
- Verify training plans in progress: If you have training actions initiated or in planning, confirm they comply with the new framework before executing or justifying them.
- Inform the training or HR manager: Ensure that the person managing annual training credit is aware of the framework change and is monitoring Fundae communications.
- Review training plans linked to collective agreements: If your company participates in state-level training plans or those linked to collective bargaining, consult with your reference business organization about changes in coordination that Fundae assumes.
- Consult a labor advisor: If you have any doubts about adapting subsidy procedures to the new framework, consult with a professional specialized in vocational training before starting new training actions.
Frequently asked questions
What changes in subsidized training with the new SEPE-Fundae 2026 agreement?
The agreement updates the collaboration framework between SEPE and Fundae, in force from September 7, 2026, replacing the 2021 agreement. It incorporates changes from Royal Decree 1189/2025 and expands Fundae's functions, which assumes technical assistance, support in subsidy management and coordination of state-level training plans. Companies using Social Security contribution subsidies must review whether management procedures on the Fundae platform have changed.
When does the new SEPE-Fundae agreement come into force?
The agreement was published in the BOE on September 7, 2026 and came into force on that same day. It replaces the previous agreement signed in 2021.
Does this agreement affect all companies or only large ones?
It affects companies of any size that use Social Security contribution subsidies to finance employee training, as well as training-organizing entities and trade union and business organizations that promote state-level training plans.
What is Royal Decree 1189/2025 and why does it matter in this agreement?
Royal Decree 1189/2025 is one of the recent regulatory amendments in vocational training for employment that the new SEPE-Fundae agreement expressly incorporates. Its inclusion in the agreement framework means that subsidy management procedures and training plans must align with this updated regulation.
What happens if my company continues using 2021 agreement procedures?
The 2021 agreement has been superseded by the new 2026 framework. Applying outdated procedures in managing subsidies or justifying training plans may result in requests for corrections or non-acceptance of requested subsidies. It is recommended to review the Fundae platform and consult with a specialized advisor.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-18763
