At a time when many young people are looking for jobs linked to technology and remote work, there are those who choose to follow a more traditional and manual path. At 28 years old, Sergio Menéndez works in an aluminum carpentry shop in Barcelona and ensures that metallurgy continues to offer good wages and constant demand. The young man started working in his father’s small business during the pandemic and is preparing to take over the family business, in a profession that many of his generation ignore, although this profession does not require prior experience, according to the digital newspaper HuffPost.
Sergio was looking for a job as a mechanic when, in 2020, he saw the doors close due to lack of experience. He then entered his father’s studio and discovered a craft that he considers demanding, but creative. He says that what motivates him most is thinking about solutions and assembling large pieces, amidst the noise of threading machines and loads of aluminum profiles early in the morning.
Five years later, he maintains his routine outside the office and without air conditioning. He wakes up early, lifts weights and spends the day with tools. He considers the work to be very physical, but maintains that, with care and adequate protection, it is possible to prevent injuries and maintain the pace.
Who’s who in the family business
In the Spanish legal framework, Sergio is an autonomous collaborator. The figure allows children or spouses to work with the company owner, registered on their own, with Social Security contributions and some bonuses, but without appearing on the payroll. As he lives with his father and he is the owner, he cannot be hired as an employee and chose this route to continue the project.
The choice brought additional responsibilities, from stationery to day-to-day decisions. Still, he talks about vocation. What started as a temporary solution turned into a professional path with room to grow in the profession and in the business, says the same source.
Tighter margins
Since he started, Sergio has seen the price of aluminum rise and costs compress margins. I would like a lighter tax burden for small businesses and to recover the profitability of other times. It recognizes, however, that orders from individuals and companies have guaranteed work and stability.
It argues that metallurgy and aluminum carpentry continue to be stable and well-paid areas. From his perspective, the lack of interest of many young people is linked to physical demands and the attraction of office jobs. Still, he insists that there is a future for those who want to learn, be decisive and concentrate on each stage, from manufacturing to installation. Consider that this is a profession where experience counts, but also a profession that can be learned over time and with desire.
Testimony passage
In a few months, Sergio’s father retires and his son will take over the small Tacoal studio. According to , the objective is to maintain the pace of the works and the client portfolio, preserving a ‘know-how’ that is based on precision, safety and met deadlines.
Between metal noises and millimeter measurements, the young man sums up learning with three simple ideas: always learn, solve with method and focus on each step. Consider that, when you enjoy what you do, the effort pays off and the profession can offer a comfortable life.
Because many don’t look at this craft
For Sergio, the distance between his generation and the professions is related to perceptions. One imagines a future sitting in front of a screen, but the market continues to ask for someone who knows how to cut, thread, weld, assemble and solve things in the field. He sees this profession as an opportunity for those who have little or no experience and want to earn well within a profession that continues to offer stability.
Despite the higher costs and tighter margins, the balance is positive: “the profession is well paid, there is always work and a clear path to growth within the sector” says Sergio. In your case, this progression will bridge the gap between two generations and keep the business open.
Metallurgical industry in Portugal
In Portugal, the metallurgical and metalworking sector continues to be one of the largest employers in the manufacturing industry, with companies looking for qualified operators, welders, locksmiths and manufacturing and assembly technicians. As in Spain, the difficulty in attracting young people to the trades coexists with the existence of vacancies to be filled and with prospects of stability for those who invest in practical and certified training.
Also read:
