AEC Launches Free AI Training Program to Boost Footwear Components Sector

The Spanish Association of Footwear Component Manufacturers (AEC) is launching a free specialist training program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help companies in the footwear components sector accelerate digitalization, automation and business innovation.

The program is being organized in collaboration with 3DSoul School and funded by the Valencian Regional Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade.

The initiative is designed to help professionals and companies use AI in their daily business operations. The training will focus on practical applications across areas including management, design, production, logistics, sales, e-commerce, technical documentation and customer support.

The program will provide 72 hours of face to face training between September and October 2026. Classes will be held at the 3DSoul School campus in Elche, located at Avenida de la Libertad, 136.

“With this program, we aim to help companies in the sector integrate artificial intelligence in a useful, secure and results oriented way, boosting their productivity, their capacity for innovation and their competitiveness,” says Álvaro Sánchez, Director General of the AEC.

The program offers five courses covering generative AI, business automation, digitalization, AI agents and workplace security, along with AI research and development for the footwear sector. The courses range from 6 to 21 hours, allowing participants to choose according to their professional needs.

Training activities will include the creation of digital content and visual resources, automation of orders and documents, dashboard development, no-code solution prototyping and the implementation of virtual assistants.

The program will also address cybersecurity risks and the protection of business information, helping companies understand how to use AI while safeguarding sensitive data.

AI Adoption Gains Importance in Footwear

The initiative reflects the growing focus on AI and digital technologies within the footwear industry. By providing sector specific training, AEC aims to help footwear component manufacturers move beyond awareness of AI and apply the technology to everyday business processes.

With free specialized training and practical industry applications, the program is expected to support companies in improving efficiency, developing new solutions and strengthening their competitiveness in an increasingly digital footwear market.