Lack of vocational schools and ageing workforce

European industry today faces a major challenge: there is a shortage of skilled technical workers. In Poland, vocational schools are closing and practical training is not keeping up with market needs. In the industrial insulation sector, the situation is particularly difficult - the cadre of professionals is ageing and there are too few young workers.

This is why vocational courses, delivered in centres such as Natalux, are becoming a strategic tool to fill this gap. In the face of the energy transition and the Green Deal, where energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction are a priority, well-trained insulation fitters are at a premium.

Why is there a shortage of vocational schools?

• Many trade schools have been abolished or converted into general secondary schools.
• Curricula often do not include modern insulation technologies and materials.
• Apprenticeships are marginalised - students do not learn to work with real materials and tools.
• The result: companies have to look to other sources to acquire qualified staff.

Ageing workforce - a problem for the whole of Europe

• The average age among insulators in Europe is often 45-55 years.
• Many professionals are retiring and young people are not entering the profession in sufficient numbers.
• Industry reports suggest that the number of insulators available could fall by as much as 30% in the next 10 years if training measures are not taken.
• This means rising labour rates and increasing staffing problems for industrial companies.

Vocational courses as an answer to the human resources crisis

• Intensive courses, such as those at Natalux, prepare participants for the profession in just 10-13 days.
• Students gain certificates recognised throughout Europe, including NORSOK M-004:2018.
• Training is provided in accordance with international standards: NORSOK, CINI, PN-B, FROSIO, EIIF.
• Graduates are ready to work from day one - without the need for a lengthy induction.

Training subsidies - solutions available

• Thanks to its registration in the Development Services Database (BUR), Natalux provides training funded by EU and national programmes.
• Companies can benefit from PARP, WUP and PUP programmes, reducing training costs by up to 80-100%.
• This is a particularly attractive solution at a time when investment in the employee must go hand in hand with optimising expenditure.

The lack of vocational schools and an ageing workforce is a real threat to the future of the insulation industry and the industry as a whole in Europe. The courses organised by Natalux not only fill this gap, but also prepare the workforce for the challenges of the energy transition and the Green Deal.
Thanks to funding, training is available to companies and individuals alike - and graduates quickly find jobs in Poland and across Europe.