The Ministry of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment is taking steps to accredit spaces in the Technological Center of Leather (Movex), located in Ubrique, which will allow training courses leading to professional certificates related to that artisan sector to be offered in these facilities. This was announced by the Andalusian Employment Minister, Rocío Blanco, during her visit to the ‘Under the Skin’ Fair, which is currently celebrating its second edition in Ubrique. The minister was accompanied by the mayor of the municipality, Mario Casillas; the general secretary of Business and Self-Employment, Adolfina Martínez; and the territorial delegate of the Ministry in Cadiz, Daniel Sánchez.
Rocío Blanco explained that leather artisans have been demanding training in their sector to have specialized professionals and, in addition, ensure generational succession. To meet their demands, she mentioned that the Ministry will accredit the mentioned spaces, as well as make itself available to the City Council and companies so that Movex «can become a great center for training in the field of leather.»
«Listening is the most appropriate way to contribute to sectors like this continue to grow, generate employment, and ultimately improve the quality of life of the residents of Ubrique,» added the Employment Minister, highlighting that this industry has a set of unique characteristics that make Cadiz and Andalusia a magnet for investment and wealth.
In the province of Cadiz, the municipalities of Ubrique, Prado del Rey, El Bosque, and Benaocaz have a large number of workshops identified in the Register of Artisans of Andalusia, mainly dedicated to leather goods and leatherwork. Specifically, this area has 45 artisan workshops and has been declared a Craft Interest Zone of Andalusia.
Rocío Blanco considered the ‘Under the Skin’ Fair a success because it recognizes the importance of craftsmanship produced in Andalusia as a source of employment generation, a means that contributes to social cohesion, a high-quality tourist and cultural attraction, and also a tool that anchors population to the territory.
To support artisans, she mentioned that the Ministry of Employment, Business, and Self-Employment has the IV Comprehensive Plan for the Promotion of Crafts in Andalusia 2023-2026, which provides funding of 14.45 million euros, 1.2% more than the previous plan, and aims to improve their competitiveness, prioritizing the transfer of trades between generations and ensuring the continuity and protection of Andalusian craftsmanship.
«I am convinced that this Fair has many years ahead to place the leather sector where it deserves and to continue fostering leather goods as a source of local development and opportunities for the present and the future,» concluded the minister.
