For the first time in Spain, cork debarking training has been incorporated into the official catalogue of vocational training specialities, strengthening professional recognition, skills development and the future of sustainable cork harvesting.
The Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) and the Consortium for Continuing Education of Catalonia (CFCC) have officially incorporated cork debarking training into their recognised training catalogues, marking a historic achievement for the Spanish cork sector. This decision gives formal recognition to a profession that has traditionally relied on on-the-job learning and the transfer of knowledge between generations.
The new training programmes are expected to support the professionalisation of cork debarking, facilitate generational renewal, preserve specialist technical knowledge and contribute to the sustainable management of cork oak forests.
More than five years of collaboration
The milestone is the result of several years of cooperation between research centres, public administrations and organisations from the forestry and cork sectors.
Supporting European certification
The programmes include tree preparation, cork extraction techniques, tool maintenance, health and safety, environmental protection and harvesting best practices. They also prepare participants for assessment leading to the European Cork Debarker Certificate (CDC) developed within the EFESC framework.
Rosa M. Ricart, National Agency Coordinator for EFESC in Spain, highlighted the importance of the initiative for establishing common qualification criteria and facilitating professional recognition across Europe.
A positive step for the future of cork oak landscapes
Beyond training, the recognition reflects a broader commitment to the long-term sustainability of Mediterranean cork oak forests and the bioeconomy they support.
Communication campaign aimed at professionalizing the sector, facilitating the recruitment of adequately trained cork debarkers/peelers, and promoting generational renewal.