Specialists in welding, plumbing, boiler construction, or mechanical manufacturing illustrate the breadth of jobs in the industrial sector. Yet the field spans beyond traditional trades to include robotics, the internet of things, data interpretation, cybersecurity, and virtual reality. These profiles are in high demand by companies, and the need will grow as qualified professionals become rarer in the market.
A better future for our youth
Youth unemployment in Spain stands at 56 percent, with more than half of young people without work. This rate places Spain among the countries with the second highest youth unemployment in Europe. Many young people struggle to find jobs or endure low wages and unstable career paths, complicating their ability to plan for a secure future. At the same time, industrial firms highlight a shortage of qualified professionals who can accompany them into a digital era of work.
FEMPA, the Alicante State Metal Entrepreneurs Federation, emphasizes the importance of investing in quality education that offers a clear view of the labor market and supports sustainable economic growth. Industrial vocational training becomes a powerful pathway for youth, opening new doors and expanding employment opportunities.
Female participation in these programs remains lower than male participation, though demand has risen in recent months. According to FEMPA, the industry today values skills and motivation over gender. Industrial vocational training helps individuals specialize in new technologies that companies need, shaping future employment opportunities regardless of gender.
“All students enrolled in FEMPA industrial vocational training cycles adapt to education and often challenge stereotypes about this sector,” notes FEMPA.
New immigration law supports vocational training
Since July, changes to immigration policy focus on education as a route for long term residency. The Education Arraigo offers a non-resident permit valid for 12 months to immigrants who have spent at least two years in Spain and wish to study to improve employment prospects. To pursue this route, applicants must follow several requirements that ensure commitment to regulated training and legal residency.
Applicants must demonstrate enrollment in regulated training for employment and show continuous residence in Spain for at least two years. They must have no criminal record either in their home country within the last five years or in Spain, and they must not be barred from entering Spain. Completing the outlined application steps is essential, and citizens of the European Union are not eligible for this route. This provides a solid platform for starting or expanding a business future in the country.
You can discover more about training options and pathways on the Industrial Vocational Training pages, which outline multiple routes for building a successful career in industry.