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 for training activities leading to professional certificates related to this artisan sector to be taught in these facilities. This was announced by the Andalusian Minister of Employment, Rocío Blanco, during her visit to the ‘Bajo la piel’ Fair, which is currently celebrating its second edition in Ubrique. The minister was accompanied by the mayor of the municipality, Mario Casillas; the Secretary General of Business and Self-Employment, Adolfina Martínez; and the territorial delegate of the Ministry in Cádiz, Daniel Sánchez.
Rocío Blanco explained that leather artisans have been demanding training in their sector to have specialized professionals and ensure generational succession. To meet their demands, she indicated 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 major center for training in the field of leather.»
«Listening is the most appropriate way to contribute to the continued growth of sectors like this, generating employment, and ultimately improving the quality of life for the residents of Ubrique,» added the Employment Minister, highlighting that this industry has unique characteristics that make Cádiz and Andalusia a hub for investment and wealth attraction.
In the province of Cádiz, the municipalities of Ubrique, Prado del Rey, El Bosque, and Benaocaz are home to a large number of workshops identified in the Andalusian Crafts Registry, mainly dedicated to leather goods and leatherwork. Specifically, this area has 45 artisan workshops and has been declared a Craft Interest Zone in Andalusia.
Rocío Blanco considered the ‘Bajo la Piel’ Fair a success because it recognizes the importance of craftsmanship produced in Andalusia as a source of employment generation, as a means of social cohesion, as a high-quality tourist and cultural attraction, and as a tool to anchor population to the region.
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, 1.2% more than the previous Plan, aiming to improve their competitiveness, prioritize the transfer of trades between generations, and ensure the continuity and protection of Andalusian craftsmanship.
«I am convinced that this Fair has many more years ahead to place the leather sector where it deserves to be and to continue promoting leatherwork as a source of local development and present and future opportunities,» concluded the minister.