Overview of a proactive footwear training initiative
Shoes are entering a phase of generational change. To guide this shift, the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal) rolled out a wide-ranging training program and a series of specialist courses throughout 2022. A total of 31 training sessions were delivered, accumulating more than 2,100 teaching hours that covered diverse topics within the shoe industry. The courses took place at multiple centers operated by footwear employers in the cities of Elche, Elda, and Villena. [Citation: AVECAL]
In 2022, the Avecal training and specialization program saw participation from over 500 students. The initiative required an investment close to EUR 228,000 to fund the subsidized courses. The curriculum included continuing education, labor vocational training, social dialogue and collective bargaining preparation, training on Cepyme digitization, subsidized programs, and the creation of contracts with the Elche City Council and Elda City Council. [Citation: AVECAL]
Course topics ranged widely, from advanced industrial maintenance of footwear and adhesion technologies to computer-aided design applied to shoes, inspection of finished products, finishing techniques, and quality control of upper and sole materials. Other areas covered included footwear production processes, materials, shoe drafting, leather goods repair, leather goods design and manufacture, digitalization in manufacturing, corporate social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion management, among others. [Citation: AVECAL]
Avecal operates as a subsidized education organization under the Tripartite Foundation. As Marián Cano, the association’s president, notes, the group works closely with the Generalitat’s Directorate General for VET and Special Regime Training and other bodies to review training cycle content and push for a Dual VET model that aligns with real labor demand. [Citation: AVECAL]
Puig announces a tailor-made training on footwear to counter labor shortages
In addition, the association participates in regional educational governance, contributing to the diagnosis of educational needs with partners including the Ministry of Sustainable Economy, Producing Sectors, Trade and Labor, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. The Valencia footwear employers association also sits on the Footwear Industry Joint Commission and collaborates with the National Institute of Qualifications (INCUAL). [Citation: AVECAL]
2023 education program
Plans for 2023 include the development of more than 20 new training and specialization courses. Topics expected to be covered include trend scouting for footwear, computer-aided design, shoe inspection, bonding technology, and quality control in shoe gluing, as well as image consulting as a fashion stylist, and repair of footwear and leather goods. [Citation: AVECAL]
January will see the start of several recommended courses, such as equity schemes; diversity, inclusion, and belonging in companies; collective negotiation; working time, reconciliation, and absenteeism management; and communication skills and work motivation, with some sessions concluding in July. Beginning January 18, other courses will commence, including leather goods design and manufacture and shoe and leather goods repair, subsidized by Labora. [Citation: AVECAL]