Spain faces shortage of elevator maintenance technicians

The elevator maintenance sector in Spain is facing a significant labor shortage, with up to 25% of technician positions remaining unfilled. Despite the high demand—driven by the fact that 65.3% of the Spanish population lives in apartment buildings—the industry struggles to attract new workers.

José Carlos Frechilla, director of the Federación Empresarial Española de Ascensores (Feeda), stated that the sector requires approximately 1,400 new technicians annually. Experts suggest the shortage may stem from an outdated perception of the profession as “dark and dangerous,” even though the role has become increasingly digitalized.

Delia Carmona of Fain Ascensores attributed the deficit to a lack of students in electronics and mechatronics within vocational training, as well as competition from sectors like biotechnology and the automotive industry. According to InfoJobs, elevator engineering remains one of the top ten roles with the highest number of vacancies in the technical and engineering categories.