FEMEVAL reports major shortage of electricians and plumbers in Valencia

The Valencian metalworking employers' federation, FEMEVAL, has reported a significant shortage of skilled technical workers in the Valencia province. Specifically, there are currently 2,000 unfilled electrician positions and approximately 1,500 vacancies for plumbers. When including sectors such as air conditioning, photovoltaic installations, and fire protection, the total deficit of professionals reaches 5,000.

FEMEVAL indicates that the broader metallurgical sector in the Valencian Community faces 22,500 vacancies and anticipates a need for an additional 35,000 professionals over the next five years. The organization attributes this structural issue to an aging workforce and a lack of generational replacement, noting that technical profiles are increasingly being driven toward other activities.

To address these gaps, FEMEVAL is activating certified training courses in electricity and plumbing, with a specific focus on encouraging female participation. These initiatives are supported by a 4.1 million euro call from Labora and co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus.