Launched: June 2026
The challenge
Spain’s textile sector remains a major economic driver, with more than 3,400 companies employing over 45,000 workers and generating almost EUR 6 billion in revenue. Catalonia is the country’s main textiles hub, home to around 1,000 firms specialising in garment manufacturing and the production of cotton, wool and other raw materials.
However, the sector is dominated by micro and small enterprises, and with 38 % of Europe’s textile workforce now over the age of 50, the need for generational renewal has become increasingly urgent.
These challenges are exacerbated by the rapid emergence of new skills. Digitalisation, smart textiles, sustainability, circular economy practices, eco-design, robotisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping job profiles, but the sector still struggles to present itself as an attractive career path for younger generations.
The ambition
In response to an ageing workforce, skills mismatches and low interest among young people, the Regional Skills Partnership for Textile & Clothing in Catalonia will strengthen the textile ecosystem and support training and innovation.
It will identify training gaps and promote programmes that equip both new and existing workers with skills in digital manufacturing, sustainable design and advanced materials. Its goal is to ensure training reflects the real and emerging needs of the textile labour market.
The RSP will also reinforce public‑private cooperation and help build a dynamic, inclusive and future‑oriented training ecosystem. Through coordinated action, it aims to position Catalonia as a leading European region for talent development and textile transformation by 2030.
The commitments
The RSP commits to aligning skills development with the needs of companies and preparing the workforce for the green and digital transitions reshaping the sector. This includes ensuring continuous training in digital manufacturing, sustainable design and advanced materials, supported by close collaboration between companies, workers, educational centres, universities and sector organisations.
The RSP also commits to attracting and retaining talent by positioning the sector as a leader in high technology and creativity. It will promote women’s participation in STEM, encourage engagement from underrepresented groups and strengthen vocational education and training (VET).
The RSP will also work with regional stakeholders to design training opportunities tailored to local needs, carry out a comprehensive skills‑gap analysis, co‑develop programmes for the green and digital transition and launch outreach initiatives to raise awareness of career opportunities in the sector.
The impact
To deliver its commitments, the RSP will carry out surveys targeted towards companies, educational centres and workers to identify training gaps and anticipate emerging demands in digitalisation, sustainability and new materials.
The commitments will be supported by knowledge-exchange sessions, round tables and collaborative events that encourage good-practice sharing.
To attract young talent, the RSP will organise dissemination activities to highlight the sector’s innovative, creative and sustainable potential, including communication campaigns and events in educational centres.
It will also monitor participation in training initiatives, promoting dual VET, internships and workplace-based learning. In addition, the RSP will support collaborative programme design between companies, VET providers and educational institutions to address skills gaps linked to the ecological and digital transitions.
Regular regional coordination meetings will reinforce cooperation across companies, clusters, associations and public authorities within the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) ecosystem.
View the document below to learn more about the Regional Skills Partnership for Textile & Clothing in Catalonia.
