Alicante construction firms face persistent staffing gaps that hinder the execution of award-winning projects. Since 2016, as the sector began to recover, leaders have wrestled with a drop in attractiveness of the profession. Many firms struggle to complete crews, and the problem grows as project timelines extend. The industry expects a surge in projects over the next three years and moves toward full operation with new generation funds.
To address this shortage, the Alicante Province Public Works Federation (FOPA) decided to act decisively. With local candidates scarce, the federation turned to international recruitment. The organization, chaired by Javier Gisbert, partnered with the Galician specialist Yoempleo to streamline sourcing of professionals abroad, focusing on workers from South America.
There is already interest from at least three companies, and they have begun selecting the first cohort of workers, according to Yoempleo, the consultancy handling the process from candidate screening to work and residence permit coordination.
The FOPA chairman acknowledges that hiring workers from abroad is not a complete solution. The organization remains committed to policies that make the trade more attractive and to bringing in young people or professionals re-skilling from other sectors. Still, this approach is seen as a way to ease the current constraint.
Industry calculations indicate that Alicante firms can currently accommodate around 6,000 workers, assuming there are suitable candidates with the right education and experience to join the ranks.
Delivery times are being adjusted to match the available workforce. In urgent projects, two shifts once existed but are no longer feasible. The pace now depends on the people available, noted Gisbert.
Labour costs have risen quickly, and competition for skilled personnel is fierce. Wages for construction managers now commonly exceed 40,000 euros annually, with engineers also commanding substantial salaries, according to a spokesperson for the builders’ association.
Currently, foreign workers account for more than a third of industry employment in the province—24,800 out of 73,700, according to EPA data. However, Alicante firms have thus far recruited foreign professionals who already reside in Spain. The new approach moves beyond that limitation.
Long process
Yoempleo’s chief, Angel Castro, explains that hiring workers from abroad is not a quick fix for immediate needs. Rather, it should strengthen the sector over the medium term. The screening and document verification process typically takes about six months before a candidate can proceed.
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The recruitment firm assists with sourcing workers from their home countries and offers tailored applications for each company. Once suitable professionals are chosen, the formal procedures begin. They include government sub-delegation approvals and consular processing. Those selected are offered indefinite contracts. For Peru or Chile, bilateral agreements simplify procedures; otherwise, employers must demonstrate the absence of suitable local candidates.
Three companies have already started the search and requested 25 workers in total.
First-class positions are in highest demand. Alicante construction firms that decide to recruit internationally are primarily seeking highly experienced civil workers, including seasoned bricklayers with about six years of field experience, according to Ángel Castro, Yoempleo’s CEO. The FOPA president agrees that staffing shortages affect all levels, from tradespeople to technicians and professionals with advanced qualifications.