Pol Parareda, engineer at Aqpel,
extraordinary award of the UdL Master’s Degree in Leather Engineering

Pol Parareda Ordeig has been honoured with the extraordinary award of the Master’s Degree in Leather Engineering, an explicit distinction granted by the Universitat de Lleida for his sustained academic effort and his personal commitment to excellence, having stood out for his outstanding marks. The corresponding diploma was presented at a formal ceremony in the assembly hall of the Rectorate building.

Pol, a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, decided, after starting work in the leather sector at the company Aqpel, to take the Master’s Degree in Leather Engineering of the Universitat de Lleida at the Igualada University Campus. The company Aqpel, based in Tona, is a member of Leather Cluster Barcelona and has a long track record always focused on the innovation, production and marketing of leathers.

Within the training offer related to the leather sector provided by the Igualada Campus – UdL, the Master’s Degree in Leather Engineering has always stood out. Unique in Europe, this master’s degree provides the scientific, technological and management knowledge needed to plan, calculate and design products, processes, installations and plants in the field of leather engineering, applying quality and environmental management systems. The Master’s Degree in Leather Engineering aims to give its students advanced multidisciplinary training as well as the necessary skills, geared towards training professionals who contribute to the competitiveness, sustainability and innovation of the activities related to the various companies and stakeholders in the value chain of the leather industry.

With a 100% employment rate in recent years, the master’s degree offers the possibility of pursuing a range of professional careers in the leather sector.

Pol Parareda’s eagerness to receive comprehensive and ongoing training in the field of leather shows that young talent is committing to the sector, and reflects the growing demand for specialised professionals in an industry, that of leather, which opens up opportunities ranging from the world of the circular economy to sustainable fashion and internationalisation.

The Igualada University Campus – UdL and A3 Leather Innovation Center, as centres that provide training, research and innovation to the sector, are fundamental and absolutely strategic pillars for Leather Cluster Barcelona. With the collaboration and support of the cluster, they are a means of helping to increase the competitiveness of member companies, facilitate innovation in the sector, integrate the leather sector globally within the framework of the circular economy, deliver high-quality training and stimulate the economy.