By Antoni Ruiz
September 14, 2026 • Opinion • Antoni Ruiz
For decades, Spain has experienced an unsustainable paradox: while the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), energy, and technical installations sector was becoming a pillar of the country’s modernization, the public perception of these professions was eroding. Pride in the craft faded, professional identity became blurred, and the connection was lost between new generations and a sector that—now more than ever—needs talent to keep moving forward.
However, the current landscape—marked by the energy transition, the climate emergency, European reindustrialization, and geopolitical pressure on energy systems—has brought our sector to a turning point. HVAC is no longer just about comfort; it is about efficiency, health, sustainability, and strategic security. This demands qualified professionals with solid training and a modern vision of the trade.
A sector in full swing
The demand for technicians specializing in HVAC, refrigeration, aerothermal systems, ventilation, air quality, energy management, and comprehensive maintenance is growing at a rate that far outstrips the training system’s ability to replenish the workforce. Industry associations repeat it, public authorities acknowledge it, and clients feel the consequences: there is a shortage of professionals.
Yet, this shortage is no accident. It exists because, for fifty years, the social value of technical trades has been obscured. It exists because entire generations have been steered toward academic paths that do not always align with the country’s real needs. It exists because we have lost the culture of hands-on learning, mentorship, the master training the apprentice, and the pride of belonging to a useful, respected, and essential profession.
Aligning training with real demand
Today, however, an extraordinary opportunity has emerged. The new Vocational Training system, the digitalization of processes, the energy transition, and the need to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy are creating the perfect environment to rebuild what we should never have lost: excellence in the technical trades. But this opportunity will only become a reality if we align three elements:
The professional profiles the sector needs today and will need tomorrow: technicians capable of working with complex systems, understanding energy efficiency, using digital tools, interpreting data, and adapting to constantly evolving technologies.
The training models that must transform to meet this demand: dual training, learning in real-world environments, flexible pathways, continuous upskilling, and a stable connection between educational institutions and companies.
Restoring professional pride: because it is not enough to simply train technicians. We must develop professionals who feel part of a strategic sector, understand their social impact, and build a strong identity around their trade.
A personal perspective
I come from a school of thought that today seems almost like a relic of another era. A school where we spent four or five years truly learning: studying, practicing, making mistakes, correcting them, and being guided by professionals who passed on knowledge, discipline, and pride. A school where the trade was an identity, not just a formality.
That culture of deep learning, respect for the profession, and progressive growth is what we must reclaim. Not to replicate the past, but to build a more solid future. Because technology changes, but the values that underpin a profession endure.
Correcting a fifty-year misstep
Spain faces a massive challenge: rectifying half a century of disconnection between training and the sector’s actual needs. And doing so with vision, courage, and a clear strategy:
Elevating the social standing of technical professions.
Showing young people that this sector offers stability, a future, and a sense of purpose.
Supporting educational institutions in their transformation.
Involving companies in talent development.
Creating attractive, flexible, and recognized career paths.
Building a narrative that restores prestige and a sense of belonging to the trade.
Because HVAC—and the entire ecosystem of energy installations—is an essential sector for modern life. And without professionals, there is simply no viable future.
A collective commitment
The shortage of technicians is not just a problem for the sector; it is a problem for the country. It acts as a brake on the energy transition, building efficiency, environmental health, industrial competitiveness, and the quality of life of millions of people.
For this reason, this article is also a call to action—addressed to public authorities, businesses, educational institutions, and society as a whole.
Si volem avançar com a país, cal reconstruir el valor de l’ofici tècnic. Si volem garantir el futur del sector, hem de formar les noves generacions amb orgull, pertinença i excel·lència. Si volem respondre als desafiaments climàtics i geopolítics, necessitem professionals preparats, reconeguts i motivats.
El moment és ara. Loportunitat és real. I el sector de la climatització pot –i ha de– liderar aquest canvi.