In the Valencian Community, where the footwear and leather industries employ more than 19,500 people and account for around half of Spain's footwear workforce, the leather and footwear partnership responds to growing challenges including demographic change, technological transformation and increasing global competition. The initiative will focus on attracting new talent, promoting lifelong learning and strengthening skills in areas such as digitalisation, circular economy, eco-design, automation and internationalisation.

Through stronger cooperation between industry and education, the partnership will develop a regional vocational education and training (VET) adaptation plan, improve skills intelligence, promote career opportunities and support initiatives such as the Learning Factory in Elche, helping preserve traditional craftsmanship while preparing the workforce for the industries of tomorrow.

In Małopolska, the Regional Skills Partnership addresses the evolving needs of the region's TCLF industries, which face increasing pressure from demographic changes, sustainability requirements and rapid technological developments. The partnership aims to modernise education and training systems while strengthening cooperation between companies, education providers, local authorities and research institutions.

Its actions include expanding specialised training programmes, developing micro-training modules, increasing work-based learning opportunities and improving the recognition of skills acquired through different learning pathways. The partnership will also establish stronger networks for knowledge exchange, create a sectoral skills database and promote the industries as attractive career paths for future generations.

Following the launch of Regional Skills Partnerships in Borås (Sweden) and Norte (Portugal) in April 2026, the addition of the Valencian Community and Małopolska further expands the Large-Scale Partnership—the TCLF Skills Alliance. Together, these partnerships are strengthening regional collaboration to address skills needs and support the green and digital transition of Europe's TCLF industries, with more partnerships expected to join the initiative in the coming months.

Learn more about the new regional skills partnerships here.