Despite job losses since Covid-19 and high unemployment in Spain, 9% of job vacancies from Spanish companies remain unfilled. Adecco researched sought after professions and why companies cannot find suitable candidates.
Why do Spanish companies have so much trouble finding the right candidate? And – perhaps interesting to know – which functions seem to remain unfilled in Spain lately?
Not enough professionals or too much competition
The problem is certainly not a lack of talent in Spain. There are several causes, including a shortage of qualified professionals in specific fields. Sometimes there are highly specialised candidates, but the company may offer insufficient salary to recruit the candidate.
Functional shortages vary according to Spanish region
The lack of suitable candidates appears to vary per autonomous region in Spain. For example, there is a shortage of IT professionals in the regions of Andalucia, Asturias, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, Navarre, Basque Country and Murcia. The regions Andalucia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Castile and Leon, Extremadura, Navarre, the Basque Country and Murcia have insufficient medical staff. Language professionals are in high demand in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Murcia. In Andalucia, Aragon, Castile and Leon, Valencia, Extremadura, Galicia and La Rioja, there is a growing need for maintenance technicians.
Do not focus on university education
In addition to the above fields, there is a shortage of people with a completed vocational education, regardless of the level. Almost 39% of unfilled vacancies in Spain require completed vocational training, a percentage equal to the demand for university-educated people.
Although the demand for industrial engineers, computer scientists and laboratory technicians remains, the professions of maintenance technicians, administration and call centre employees, drivers, and kitchen staff are very popular in Spain.
Adecco Advice: “Spain needs vocational people”
Adecco’s director recommends those choosing a course of study, or are unemployed and want to reposition themselves, should complete training. Adecco advises not to focus solely on a university education as there is at least – and sometimes even more – demand for people with a vocational education.
Adecco also recommends companies and government agencies to invest in high-quality employment. By this they mean entering into partnerships for retraining, offering people more security and wages appropriate for the position.
