Valuing the footwear trade as a legitimate career path and a lasting opportunity for Elche’s younger generations, the recent accord between Elche City Council, the Spanish Footwear Industries Federation (FICE), and the Valencian Footwear Entrepreneurs Association (AVECAL) marks a clear investment in a local industry with regional significance. The agreement, announced at MICAM, the Milan International Footwear Fair, outlines a plan to promote the sector through media outreach, factory tours, and a social media strategy designed to engage youth. This year, the City Council commits 11,000 euros toward these initiatives, a contribution welcomed by the city’s leadership as the parties signed the protocol of intent with Mayor Carlos González, along with FICE President Rosana Perán and AVECAL President Marián Cano.
The joint goal is straightforward: show young people that the footwear industry offers meaningful employment, favorable working conditions, and a future within a vibrant, hands-on sector. Mayor González emphasized the importance of the collaboration for both Elche-based companies and the municipality at large, expressing confidence that the effort will yield tangible benefits. He noted that the industry has the potential to rebound when a proactive, well-communicated approach is taken to highlight career opportunities and grow perception in the community. In response, Perán underscored the industry’s need for fresh talent and acknowledged that historical perceptions have sometimes made the field look less attractive than it actually is.
To bring this vision to life, the council will roll out a sequence of activities designed to inform and inspire. The plan includes engaging young people with clear explanations of what the footwear sector does and the kinds of roles it offers. Perán described the strategy in practical terms, stressing the value of contemporary communication channels such as short-form videos on TikTok and image-led posts on Instagram, complemented by traditional mass media. The effort will also involve micro-influencers to broaden reach while maintaining authenticity. AVECAL will organize factory visits and host informative sessions at schools featuring business leaders, active industry workers, and retirees who can share firsthand experiences of the trade.
Leaders from the footwear community emphasized a coordinated approach to regional development. By concentrating activities in the towns where most shoe companies operate, the alliance aims to create a steady pipeline of skilled workers who can fill current and future vacancies. Perán, who has led FICE since May 2022, highlighted the strategic objective of attracting young talent and making the sector more appealing through storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and visible career pathways. The overarching message is simple: the footwear industry is a dynamic, productive space that supports local economies and offers real, livable careers.
The agreement also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen vocational education and training in Elche. In discussions held on February 14 with FICE and AVECAL at the town hall, participants stressed the need for a more robust pipeline of qualified labor. Beyond the new collaboration, the City Council is partnering with employers and the Ministry of Education’s General Directorate of Vocational Education, along with local secondary schools, to tailor training programs and position graduates for the specific roles demanded by the industry. The aim is to keep the regional economy resilient and ensure that skilled jobs remain within reach for local youth, promoting sustained prosperity and social well-being across the community. The footwear sector, in this light, is presented not merely as a business activity but as a driver of local opportunity, innovation, and social cohesion. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to economic vitality and the ongoing cultivation of talent that will keep Elche competitive in the national landscape and beyond.