Spain's industry needs operators: 65,000 unfilled vacancies

January 2026 SEPE Labor Observatory report confirms a worrying figure: 65,000 vacant positions in the industrial sector with no qualified candidates. Most affected: metallurgy, automotive, industrial woodworking and installations.

The demographic problem

• Average specialized operator age: 49 years
• Retirements forecast 2026-2030: 180,000 industrial workers
• Workers under 30: 28% decline in a decade

Why young people aren't coming

CESM 2025 Survey:

• Perception of "hard work" and "not glamorous" (43%)
• Entry salaries below other sectors (38%)
• Lack of awareness of sector pathways (29%)
• Geographic distance (poorly connected industrial parks, 18%)

Dual VET as solution

Dual Vocational Education and Training lets students work 1,000-2,000 hours in companies during their studies. Results:

• Job placement after course: 84% (vs 67% traditional VET)
• 73% stay with training company
• Companies save 6-12 months of subsequent internal training

Active grants

• Social Security bonus: up to 100% during practical training
• Reforma 2027 Program: additional aid up to €6,000/student
• Regional bonuses: Catalonia and Basque Country add their own

What SMEs can do

• Get accredited as a Dual VET partner center (free at regional Education department)
• Provide internal mentors from senior operators
• Competitive entry salaries: SMEs paying €1,400/month attract juniors; those paying €1,000 don't
• Active employer branding at VET fairs, social media and school visits

Industrial SMEs that don't solve their talent pipeline before 2028 will face serious operational problems.

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