The municipality of Fines, in the heart of the Macael marble region, has become an epicenter of transformation in the natural stone sector. The Fines Marble School, in collaboration with Cosentino, is experiencing a boom in female STEM vocations, with a notable 65% of women enrolled in its Natural Stone course. This figure reflects a significant social and economic shift in an industry historically dominated by men.
Natural stone not only defines the landscape and economy of the Valle del Almanzora region but has also shaped its labor pulse for decades. Marble extraction and processing are employment drivers, and specialized training is key to adapting to new technologies. The presence of women in classrooms, exceeding 60% in recent cohorts, breaks with tradition and demonstrates women's capability in trades once considered exclusively male.
Stories like that of Sheila Venteo, 41, exemplify this evolution. After a diverse work trajectory, Venteo has returned to her early vocation at the Marble School, where she began training over two decades ago. Now, she is preparing to take on a quality control position at Cosentino, proving that the sector demands qualified professionals regardless of gender. Her personal experience highlights how prejudices are being dismantled, making way for ability and talent.
The Natural Stone course, originating in the 1980s, has evolved to adapt to the modern industry. It is currently offered in a dual modality, combining academic training with business internships. Students learn computer-aided design, robotics, 3D printing, and the operation of numerical control machinery, preparing them for a job market with nearly 100% employment insertion.
Educators like Andrés Molina and Antonia Lozano emphasize the importance of continuous training for the sector's evolution. While technology advances, it does not replace human skill. Natural stone continues to offer opportunities in architecture, restoration, sculpture, and even in the production of mineral derivatives for various industries, ensuring a promising future for qualified professionals.
