Retirement wave creates workforce crisis
Around 300 installation professionals in the province of Tarragona are expected to retire over the next decade, with no guaranteed replacement workforce to fill their roles, according to the Gremi d'Empreses Instal·ladores de Tarragona. Josep Miró, president of the trade association, said the shortage threatens essential services. "Without installers, there will be no energy-efficient building upgrades, no rollout of renewable energy systems, no smart buildings, and no feasible energy transition," he warned.
Training gap fails to meet demand
Miró stressed that the issue is not a lack of training places, but a failure to attract students. "Vocational training (FP) is not producing the volume of technicians the sector needs," he said. "In many training cycles related to installation, places remain unfilled." He highlighted a key paradox: the sector offers stable, well-paid, skilled employment, yet firms cannot find workers. "Young people simply don’t know the professional opportunities this trade offers," Miró said.
"Without installers, there will be no energy-efficient building upgrades, no rollout of renewable energy systems, no smart buildings, and no feasible energy transition.", Josep Miró, President, Gremi d'Empreses Instal·ladores de Tarragona
Wider national and regional shortfall
The problem extends beyond Tarragona. The national employers’ federation Conaif estimates a nationwide deficit of around 121,000 installation and maintenance technicians. In Catalonia, business group Pimec reports that nearly 30% of workers in the sector are nearing retirement, while 65% of companies say they need to hire new staff.
Call for education and business alignment
Francesc Roca, Secretary for Vocational Training at the Catalan Department of Education and Vocational Training, acknowledged the challenge. "Vocational training alone cannot fill all job vacancies," he said during the presentation of a labour market integration report. Roca pointed to dual vocational training, where students spend significant time in companies, as a promising solution. "The company becomes an active part of the training process, not just a host for internships," he explained. These extended placements allow firms to assess trainees as potential future employees. Both Miró and Roca agree that vocational training planning must align more closely with current and future market needs. Roca confirmed that places in intensive dual FP programmes will be expanded to meet demand, though no specific sectors were named. Miró also urged for better career guidance in secondary schools, saying students need a clearer, more realistic picture of the profession. "This is a career path offering stability, specialisation, growth and even opportunities to start your own business," he said.
Primary sources: govern.cat, govern.cat. Reported by Source Text Link, Aleix Solé, diaridetarragona.com, educaweb.com, Exa, José Cueto García, Luis García Muñoz, Diari de Tarragona.
