The industrial sector in Spain is undergoing a significant transformation that is redefining the employment landscape. According to the report “Employment Trends in the Industrial Sector and Most Active Industrial Sectors – 2025” by Catenon, digitalization, sustainability and new work models will be the main drivers of change in the coming years.
Technology boosts industrial employment
Automation and advanced robotics are revolutionizing industrial processes, replacing traditional manual tasks and creating new opportunities for highly specialized profiles. Demand is concentrating in areas such as programming, robot maintenance and industrial data analysis. Furthermore, digitalization is transforming the way companies operate and manage their resources, with the integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and artificial intelligence.
The Spanish industry is driving a major transformation in 2025: technology, sustainability and new labor dynamics mark the future of employment
Carmen Caro, Director of Infrastructure, Construction, Energy, Engineering and Industry at Catenon, points out that technology not only improves the efficiency of companies, but also transforms the labor market, generating more qualified and strategic jobs. According to Caro, Spain has a great opportunity to differentiate itself and grow in Europe if it promotes technology in the industrial field, from large companies to SMEs. The implementation of active policies that develop automation, robotics and artificial intelligence processes will be key to transforming the country’s industrial centers.
Catenon’s report highlights the implementation of IoT and Big Data to optimize production processes and decision making, advanced robotics that not only replaces repetitive tasks but also creates opportunities for technicians and mechatronics specialists, and artificial intelligence that is driving product design and customization in record time.
Sustainability as a job generator
Sustainability has ceased to be a trend and has become a market requirement and a key opportunity for companies seeking to differentiate themselves. The transition to a greener economy is creating jobs in areas such as waste management, recycling, renewable energy and sustainable product design.
Companies that are committed to sustainability will be better prepared to compete in an increasingly demanding market in environmental and social terms. Spain is positioning itself as a benchmark in renewable energy, with ambitious clean energy goals that are driving growth in sectors such as solar and wind energy.
The report identifies key areas for job creation, such as the design of sustainable supply chains that minimize environmental impact, the development of renewable energy infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and innovation in recyclable materials and circular economy products.
New work dynamics and emerging sectors
The industrial sector, traditionally more rigid, is adapting to the new demands of workers and adopting more flexible work models. Roles related to design, engineering and management are seeing increasing adoption of hybrid working, which combines the advantages of in-person and remote environments. This change is being welcomed by professionals who increasingly value work-life balance.
Carmen Caro highlights that flexibility, along with a determined commitment to continuous training, is key to retaining and attracting talent in a competitive market. Companies are also strengthening their collaboration with educational institutions to design retraining programs that respond to the emerging needs of the sector.
Sectors such as automotive, renewable energy and biotechnology are emerging as leaders in job creation in 2025. The transition to electric vehicles, the development of charging infrastructure and investment in pharmaceutical research are consolidating Spain as an innovation hub industrial.
