The project’s aim is to design and validate an innovative European training model for leather sector technicians

On 15 January, Leather Cluster Barcelona organised an initial meeting with member companies at the Adoberia Bella, with the aim of learning first-hand about the current and future needs regarding professional profiles within the leather sector.

Training and talent attraction, especially in the more technical professional profiles, is one of the concerns that Leather Cluster Barcelona members have expressed during the personalised visits carried out by the cluster’s working team.

The meeting made it possible to create a space for shared reflection on the sector’s main challenges in terms of training, technical qualification and updating of skills, in a context marked by the green transition, the digitalisation of processes, the new regulatory requirements and the lack of qualified generational renewal.

Building on this joint work with the business community, we are pleased to inform you that at Leather Cluster Barcelona we are already working on the first draft of the European project Leather Technician 5.0, which will be submitted to the Erasmus+ KA220 call (Cooperation Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training).

The project’s aim is to design and validate an innovative European training model for leather sector technicians (EQF level 3–4), aligned with the real needs of the industry, transferable to different countries and with a strong component of dual training in collaboration with member companies. This model will combine knowledge of production processes, applied chemistry, sustainability, quality, traceability and digital skills, also incorporating hybrid methodologies and digital resources.

Leather Cluster Barcelona is currently in the phase of configuring the European consortium, with the planned participation of training centres, sectoral bodies, companies and leading international partners, with the aim of providing a common response to a shared challenge at European level.

These collaborative projects with different companies and players in the leather industry value chain around the world consolidate Leather Cluster Barcelona as an indispensable platform for the innovation, internationalisation and sustainability of the Catalan leather sector.

The leadership of the European project Leather Technician 5.0 is perfectly aligned with the three main strategic lines of the Leather Cluster Barcelona Master Plan for the 2025-2030 period: the cluster’s economic self-sufficiency, the building of European prestige and positioning, and the generation of real impact for member companies.

At Leather Cluster Barcelona, we will keep you informed about the project’s progress and the next steps. For any questions, contributions or interest in taking part in the project’s development, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by Acció.