€22.56 Million Joint Investment to Support Job Seekers

The Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC), under the Department of Economy and Labour, has renewed its collaboration agreement with Barcelona Activa, the city council’s economic promotion agency, to strengthen active employment policies. A total of €22.56 million has been allocated for 2025, with 70% funded by the SOC and 30% by Barcelona City Council. In 2023, more than 28,000 people used Barcelona Activa’s services, with 47.3% of SOC-registered participants, 13,600 individuals, securing jobs. Of these, 41.9% were offered permanent contracts. Among young people, the employment rate reached 56.3%.

We are reinforcing pathways into stable employment through targeted training, language skills and direct company placements.

New Vocational Programmes Include Catalan Language Training

Building on last year’s results, the 2025 initiatives will expand vocational services across five areas:

  • Careers advice: Personalised guidance and motivation programmes.
  • Professional qualifications: Training and accreditation of work skills.
  • Employment support: Dedicated services for people at risk of social or labour market exclusion.
  • In-company support: Upskilling for employees and professionals within businesses.
  • Job creation and local development: Projects to stimulate economic activity and recruitment.

A key focus will be on Catalan language courses linked to occupational training, helping improve integration for job seekers in the local labour market. The SOC has also renewed a collaboration agreement with the General Council of Chambers to expand professional internships within companies, particularly through Occupational Professional Training (FPO) courses. Another agreement signed for 2025 involves UPC Formació i Mobilitat, S.A. and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), to deliver professional training at the Centre de Formació Professional d’Automoció in Martorell. The agreement was formalised under the authority of Francesc Castellana Aregall, director of the SOC, appointed by Decree 62/2025 of 8 April.

Language is not just cultural; it’s a practical tool for accessing work and building careers in Catalonia.

How to Access Support

Job seekers registered with the SOC and residents of Barcelona can access programmes through Barcelona Activa’s official website. The agency offers in-person and digital support, including career guidance, training registration and job placement services. Companies interested in hosting trainees or developing staff skills can also apply via the portal.

Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, Berna Aguilar, Eulalia. Reported by europapress.es, Tres Tristes Tigres.