The plastics industry in Foia de Castalla faces a significant challenge: a shortage of specialized labor. In response, the Association of Entrepreneurs Foia de Castalla (Ibiae) has launched the Internal Plastics Training Program. This pilot initiative aims to address the urgent need for technical profiles with specific knowledge in plastic transformation processes, a constant demand from companies in the sector.
The first session of this 48-hour training itinerary took place last Thursday at the facilities of IES La Foia in Ibi. Sessions will continue until next December 10th, with meetings scheduled every Thursday from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The program is characterized by its strong technical and practical focus, and collaborates with IES La Foia, as well as expert companies and professionals such as Interpolimeri, Colortec, Engel, Wittmann, Abb, Sumitomo, Ingenia, and The Lean Expert.
The training will cover topics ranging from materials and colorants to molds and machinery, automation, blueprint interpretation, defect resolution, and methodologies like Lean Manufacturing. It will also include direct knowledge from the industrial fabric and company visits to offer a comprehensive view of the sector.
The inaugural session, led by educator Juan Lorenzo García Márquez, focused on manufacturing processes, introducing participants to the overall functioning of plastic transformation. The journey from raw material to the final product was analyzed, emphasizing the relationship between material, machine, mold, and process conditions, as well as identifying critical points and resolving incidents.
The plastics sector plays a fundamental role in Foia de Castalla, being the industrial activity with the highest turnover volume in the region. According to 2024 data, this industry generated 647 million euros. In an economic context with 1,147 active companies and 12,225 jobs, specialized training is key for professional development and bridging the gap between business needs and professionals.
