Valencian Shoe Entrepreneurs Association (Avecal) organized a working group that brought together a range of representatives. Participants included firms active in the Elda footwear sector and several local training centers, with the shared aim of fostering generational renewal through contract-based alternating training and Double FP programs.
The gathering took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs building, alongside officials from Economic Development, Industry and Employment of the Elda City Council. The event forms part of a broader set of initiatives sponsored by a continuing collaboration between Avecal and the City Council of Elda, a partnership recently reaffirmed during the MICAM fair in Milan.
Mari Ángeles López, head of Avecal Training and Human Resources, outlined the features and benefits of shoe industry contracts that combine alternating training with the workforce. She described rotational training as a model that blends employment with education, enabling the sector to strengthen its talent pool while aligning with the Employment System’s Catalog of Training Specializations.
Regarding this approach, Avecal’s representative underscored that rotational education serves as a practical solution for training individuals aged 16 to 30 within the company, supporting generational change and helping ensure the continuity and future of the regional shoe industry.
The Alternative Education contract was presented as a highly advantageous option for firms, offering a strong alternative to indefinite contracts. This contracting method strengthens the team by integrating young talent through a combination of employment and training aligned with the National Employment System’s Catalog of Educational Specializations. Companies can implement contracts ranging from 3 months to 2 years, while benefiting from reduced social security contributions.
In addition, the meeting highlighted that the Extended training contracts are designed to adapt to company needs and accelerate workforce development through structured on-the-job learning.
Industry needs
The working group also discussed identifying personnel needs within shoe companies, proposing the creation of new educational specializations, and detailing the steps required to implement these changes. A key topic was the accreditation process for training centers and in-house workshops.
Avecal is also developing a plan to drive innovation across the footwear sector.
The meeting yielded results from a study conducted by Avecal, which mapped out new specializations that the footwear industry should adopt. The plan clusters courses into four core areas, with sub-specializations such as: designer for shoes and leather goods; production technician for leather, footwear and leather goods; computer management, telecommunications and ICT specialists; and operator in the leather, shoe and leather products industry.
The study also evaluated sector needs in terms of recruitment, highlighting the roles most in demand: cutters (75%), trimmers (62.5%), warehouse staff (50%), and sanders (37.5%). Training needs identified across companies show emphasis on shoe assembly and finishing (78.6%), social media management (50%), e-commerce platform management (50%), and digitalization of commercial activities (50%). Other areas include shoe cutting (42.9%), repair (42.9%), and international purchasing and sales management (41.7%). Conversely, fields with fewer educational requirements include financial management (27.3%), vulcanizing and autoclave work (8.3%), conflict resolution and personnel management (8.3%), and supply chain management (7.1%).
Mari Ángeles López from Avecal Training and Human Resources stressed that the current generational shift affects the entire traditional shoe business, from production to storage and packaging. She noted that the regional shoe sector remains a significant employer for many families in the Vinalopó area, but it has evolved since the 1980s. The industry can still compete by offering good schedules and a balanced work-life experience. She added that modernization is essential, with artificial intelligence impacting the sector and a demand for employees skilled in new technologies, while still valuing traditional crafts. The goal remains to attract the youngest workers to the footwear industry, ensuring a robust pipeline for the future.
The meeting was attended by a number of figures from Avecal Training and Human Resources, including Mari Ángeles López, along with several footwear company representatives. Participants included Vicente Pastor from Creaciones SW, Manuel García from Manufacturas Flyer, Pablo Pérez and Pedro García from Mila; Fernando Erades of Disgramarc (Magrit), and José Menarguez of Xseni Greyye, who also serves as the director of the Elda Shoe Trade School. They were joined by representatives from IES La Torreta, Sergio Frances and María José Soto, and Miguel Davia from 3DSoulSchool to share insights and coordinate actions for the region’s shoe industry.