The Generalitat has launched its first call for grants to support the training of new railway drivers, with a total budget of €350,000. The initiative, announced by Minister of Territory, Housing, and Ecological Transition Sílvia Paneque i Sureda, aims to strengthen the availability of qualified personnel within the Catalan railway system, particularly for Rodalies and regional train services.
Starting Friday 6th November 2026, residents of Catalonia who enrolled in an approved training centre between 1st January and 31st December 2025 and maintain active enrolment can apply for a grant of up to €5,000. This amount covers 25% of the training cost, according to the Department of Territory. The application process must be completed electronically via the Generalitat's Electronic Headquarters.
Work Commitment Attached to Funding
Recipients of the grant will be required to commit to working in Catalonia for a minimum of four years after qualifying as train drivers. They must also prioritise applying for positions with railway operators in Catalonia during recruitment processes. The measure is part of broader efforts to address high turnover among train drivers operating in the region, which the government identifies as a key barrier to maintaining a stable and sufficient workforce.
"The training of new train drivers is a necessary action to strengthen the availability of qualified personnel and respond to the needs of the Catalan railway system," said Minister Paneque.
Application and Review Timeline
The application window will remain open for one month from the launch date. The Generalitat has set a maximum of six months to resolve all applications. The call was published in the Diari Oficial de la Generalitat (DOGC), formalising its availability to eligible candidates.
This funding forms part of the government’s strategy under the comprehensive transfer of Rodalies services, aiming to boost local recruitment and ensure long-term staffing stability in a key public transport sector.
Sources: Govern de Catalunya.
