The quality of vocational training in the Basque Country has been recognised in the Quality Innovation Awards competition.
The CPES San Luis Labide Heziketa BHIP in Bilbao is a leading example of educational innovation in Spain, having been recognised as one of the best cases in the Quality Innovation Awards 2024.
We are pleased to announce that six Basque organisations have been recognised at the prestigious Quality Innovation Awards (QIA) 2024. We are pleased to announce that the CPES San Luis Lanbide Heziketa BHIP in Bilbao has been presented with an Accessit Award in recognition of its exemplary contribution to educational innovation. This recognition highlights the company's MenTek-AI project, an innovative proposal developed in collaboration with Tknika, the applied research centre of FP Euskadi, with the support of the Department of Education of the Basque Government.
MenTek-AI is a ground-breaking initiative that provides invaluable support to educators in the crucial areas of emotional health management and suicide prevention in the classroom. This is a key aspect of addressing the well-being of young people and strengthening the educational environment. The project represents an innovative approach to addressing mental health issues in educational settings and is regarded as one of the most outstanding initiatives in the country.
The Mikrobiomik Health Company, operating within the healthcare sector, the Surphase micro SME, and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa public sector organisation were also acknowledged. Three Basque organisations have been selected to represent Spain in the international phase of the QIAs, where they will compete with over 500 organisations from other countries for one of the international awards.
Furthermore, the San Luis Centre, Polykey Polymers, and EJIE (the Basque Government's Computer Society) were awarded second place, which positions them among the most innovative competitors in this competition.
The Regional Minister of Education, Begoña Pedrosa, expressed her satisfaction with “the recognition of a Vocational Training Centre project that addresses the welfare of students and incorporates Artificial Intelligence tools in VET centres. This project aligns with the Department of Education's strategy, which prioritises these objectives.”
The awards ceremony, corresponding to the national phase, will be held on 28 November at the headquarters of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid. Furthermore, in acknowledgement of the centre's pivotal role in fostering innovation in the Basque Country, San Luis will be honoured by the Basque Government at the Basque Advanced Management Award Gala on 11 December at the Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao.
The Quality Innovation Awards are an international competition that has been representing the Basque Country since 2015 with participation from EUSKALIT, Innobasque and Ihobe. The competition is structured in two phases: one at the national level and the other at the international level. The aim of the competition is to boost the competitiveness of organisations and countries through innovation and continuous improvement.
