The discussion, moderated by Isabel de Lope, journalist and commercial director of NOTICIAS DE GIPUZKOA, featured representatives from industrial companies closely linked to vocational training centers. Participants focused their opinions on the challenges organizations face in attracting and retaining the most suitable profiles.

The speakers included Mikel Sarriegi, Director of Training and Talent at Adegi; Eneko Odiaga, Talent Innovation Manager at Smartlog Group; Jon Ander Aguirrechu, Laboratory Manager at Orbik Cybersecurity; Izaskun Larrañaga, CEO at Lacor; and Iker Usabiaga, Human Resources Director at Danobat Group.

Sarriegi emphasized that in Gipuzkoa, “we have a business network composed mainly of small organizations where the industrial sector plays a key role. As mentioned in the first part of the meeting, Vocational Training is, in many cases, anticipating the needs of the companies themselves.”

Aguirrechu acknowledged a significant shortage of senior profiles in industrial cybersecurity. “Given the panorama, Vocational Training is vital due to its agility in generating professionals. Investment and talent are the main challenges organizations face.” Regarding the debate on whether artificial intelligence will replace human work, Aguirrechu has a clear opinion: “Now individuals are more necessary than ever. We need workers with extensive technological knowledge.”

From Danobat Group, an entity dedicated to machine tools, Usabiaga noted that Vocational Training profiles are “absolutely necessary for us. This year we will incorporate around 80 workers, half of whom will be individuals who have completed a higher-level degree. There are tasks, such as that of an assembler, that AI is currently unable to replace.”

Larrañaga, representing Lacor, mentioned that the company “was born in a workshop and, although it has evolved significantly over the decades, its essence remains. Vocational Training profiles are essential within our workforce.” Sarriegi added that dual training is “an opportunity for students to acquire skills that will be fundamental for their future.”

Odiaga explained that, “when we welcome a student, the first thing we try to do is make them understand what the company's activity consists of. The student will not be very productive in an initial phase focused on training, and at the same time, an employee will have to invest time in teaching. This process is not without difficulties.” For Larrañaga, investment is the key word: “We must consider that the student can later become an important part of the company. In general, they come very well prepared.”

According to Usabiaga, industry currently has a somewhat negative connotation, so for Danobat Group, it is important to “hold open days with the aim of eliminating the clichés that exist around machining workshops: “They are neither dirty nor noisy”.

The five members of this second panel highlighted the growing importance of the instructor's role within organizations to guide new hires. Finally, the need to listen to new generations was addressed, as it has become a factor for companies to consider, understanding that they arrive with different ways of working, requiring spaces that allow them to communicate and grow both professionally and personally. At the same time, the virtues that employees should foster are work ethic and camaraderie.