The construction sector in Spain is experiencing a complex period in 2023, marked by a significant shortage of skilled labor and an aging workforce. After decades of decline, the industry has seen the number of affiliated workers drop from 2.7 million before the Great Recession to just over 1.4 million today. Given this situation, it is estimated that approximately 700,000 new workers are needed to cover the deficit, reflecting both the lack of experienced professionals and the growing difficulty in attracting young talent.
At the European level, the outlook is not promising. The European Commission points out that between 25% and 30% of companies in the sector face restrictions in their production capacity due to a lack of personnel. This is compounded by an aging workforce, insufficient attraction of young people and women, and a negative perception of working conditions. These factors complicate the renewal of teams and the inclusion of specialized talent in an ecosystem that represents the second-largest industrial sector in the Union.
In this context, the pressure for sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization becomes increasingly pressing. This environment demands new skills, especially in emerging areas such as modular construction, the circular economy, and the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics. Faced with these demands, Sto Ibérica emphasizes the need to redefine the professional profiles of the sector.
Emerging roles such as the BIM Coordinator and digital modeling, the Technician in energy efficiency and sustainable rehabilitation, and the Manager of modular and prefabricated construction, are at the heart of this transformation. These roles are essential for integrating innovative and sustainable solutions, optimizing processes, and ensuring data interoperability in an increasingly digital environment. Additionally, profiles such as the Specialist in construction automation and robotics and the Digital control analyst, who will play a crucial role in the modernization of the sector, are promoted.
Technical training emerges as a fundamental pillar for the professionalization of the sector. Since 2025, Sto Ibérica has promoted 80 training sessions throughout Spain, with the participation of 301 professionals. These sessions combine theory and practice, allowing attendees to immediately apply the knowledge acquired in concrete projects. This approach seeks not only to raise quality standards in construction but also to promote a more sustainable and efficient ecosystem.
Looking to the future, Sto Ibérica positions itself as a key player in transforming the sector, promoting the development of specialized talent and more responsible and technologically advanced practices. The construction sector in Spain is at the crossroads of a necessary evolution to adapt to new challenges, and investment in training and innovation will be crucial to successfully face these challenges.