This new chair will provide specific university training related to the wood sector, including practical internships in Berguedà. In parallel, the university is already collaborating with local companies specializing in this material.
The Berguedà region has worked for years to establish itself as a hub for bioconstruction and wood construction, leveraging its forest resources and existing business network. The agreement aims to create a win-win situation for the university, administrations, and companies in the sector.
Óscar Linares, director of the UPC-Berguedà Chair, highlighted the "urgent need for training at all levels" and the importance of ensuring that architecture students gain knowledge about wood. This call has been echoed by all stakeholders, who consider the sector "strategic," "growing," and "for the future."
Companies in the sector have expressed concern about the shortage of specialized personnel. The establishment of the chair aims not only to address this gap but also to strengthen ties with the university, which has committed to adapting its courses to market demand. The rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, emphasized the university's commitment to "relevant excellence" with social and productive impact, stating that the agreement with Berguedà will help keep training programs updated to address real-world problems.
Activities for the UPC-Berguedà Chair will commence this September, initially focusing on Architecture students. The long-term goal is to expand training to all levels, from vocational training to master's degrees and postgraduate studies.
The mayor of Berga, Ivan Sànchez, described the signing as "a day we will remember," acknowledging the persistence of professor Dolors Grau in promoting nature-related studies in Berguedà. The mayor also thanked the UPC, the Development Agency, and especially the companies, without whom the project would not be meaningful.
Sebastià Prat, president of the Development Agency, highlighted the territorial coordination and expressed confidence that transferring knowledge to the workforce will drive stronger growth for the region.
Representatives from administrations, the university, and the business community attended the agreement signing, including members of the ACEB, organizers of Firhàbitat, the national bioconstruction fair held in Avià.
