In line with one of the main objectives of the METASKILLS4TCLF project - promoting the footwear sector and enhancing its appeal, especially among young people - AVECAL launched a dynamic series of initiatives in 2024 to strengthen the footwear industry through targeted training, innovation, and youth engagement.

In 2024, over 400 people - including students, unemployed individuals, and industry professionals - received specialized training in leather goods, design, production, digital skills, and sustainability. The initiative also emphasized the development of soft skills, helping to foster young talent and improve career opportunities within the sector.

Through public panels and Tech Weeks, AVECAL promoted green innovation and digital readiness across the sector. Events focused on sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, and the digital product passport, while workshops introduced businesses to tools like AI, talent management software, and e-commerce platforms.

AVECAL organized open-door visits to footwear companies in Elche and Elda, giving local secondary school students a firsthand experience of the industry's inner workings. These visits featured guided tours, expert talks, and live demonstrations, strengthening collaboration between schools and companies and inspiring the next generation of footwear professionals.

Over 100 secondary and vocational students attended AVECAL’s event at the Elche Congress Centre, where companies like Pikolinos and Gioseppo shared real-world insights. Through engaging talks and practical workshops, students discovered the value of technical education and the critical role of innovation and skills in shaping the future of the industry.

The first edition of the Footwear Jam, held at 3DSOULSCHOOL in Elda, brought together over 30 young designers for a weekend of creativity and digital design. Participants developed 2D and 3D footwear concepts inspired by pop culture, blending imagination and technology in a unique training experience that highlighted the creative potential of the region’s youth.

In collaboration with Idelsa, AVECAL hosted the first Footwear Hackathon in Elda, where 23 young participants developed fresh strategies to attract new talent to the sector. Held at the FICIA (International Footwear and Allied Industries Trade Fair Foundation) building, the event focused on communication, digitalization, and sustainability, showcasing Generation Z’s ideas to revitalize and future-proof the footwear industry.