With the goal of “promoting the potential of the industry,” “valuing local territories and activities,” and “boosting the local economy,” the footwear sector continues its Knowledge Roadmap in Schools under the scope of the Bioshoes4all project, having surpassed the milestone of 3 000 young students engaged.

Since the beginning of the current school year, 37 schools across five municipalities have already been visited, involving 1 076 students. Last year, the Knowledge Roadmap reached 78 schools and more than 1 900 students.

“As the footwear and leather goods sectors evolve toward new levels of excellence, hiring highly qualified professionals is a priority”, says Luís Onofre, President of APICCAPS. According to him, “there are still many stereotypes in society about industrial sectors that need to be debunked. While this is not a problem exclusive to Portugal, it requires close work with communities”. Onofre also highlighted “the crucial role played by local governments in areas with a strong concentration of footwear companies”.

By 2030, the European fashion industry will need 500 000 new professionals. Data from the European Commission suggests this is a common challenge across sectors and will particularly affect countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

Aware of this reality, APICCAPS launched, at the end of 2023, a Knowledge Roadmap targeting schools located in Felgueiras, Guimarães, Oliveira de Azeméis, Santa Maria da Feira, and S. João da Madeira — the main hubs of Portugal's footwear industry — “to prepare the next generation and attract new talent”. The initiative will span three years and is part of the Footwear Cluster Strategic Plan 2030.

According to Ana Medeiros, “creative parents are those who dedicate themselves to the education of their children — and that is one of the main goals of this project”. The City Councilor of Felgueiras added, “Beyond the educational purpose, as representatives of municipalities with a strong industrial base, we also have a responsibility toward the professional future of our children”.

“Raising awareness is very important so that our children can become active players in this industry in the future — so that we continue to be a national and global reference”, said Rui Cabral. The City Councilor of Oliveira de Azeméis considers “it essential when projects like this connect children with the real industry. You could compare it to a relay race — we’re passing the baton, and our youth have a key role to play”.

In addition to school visits, the Knowledge Roadmap also includes parallel initiatives such as Open Day in the Footwear Industry and the Magic Box, a creativity contest that challenges students and involves their families by encouraging the use of recycled and alternative materials to design the perfect shoe.

“This project is truly remarkable. Because it all starts at the root”, said Ana Medeiros. “We know it takes time, but this initiative will bear fruit. In the near future, gluing a shoe may mean using a robotic arm — it’s about programming, it’s about tech. That’s the future we’re already showcasing today. Vocational education is the path, and there’s still a strong stigma surrounding it. But we need professionals — good professionals — who can help move the footwear sector forward”.

“This project has enriched everything that already existed in our city by strengthening the bond between schools, children, the footwear industry, and the community”, said Irene Guimarães, City Councilor of S. João da Madeira. She believes that “this project is key to showcasing the work of this industry in the cities where it operates. Our mission now is to build on what has been achieved — to carry this message forward”.