Jobseekers Invited to Free Career Event

The Employment Fair will take place on 21 and 22 October at Hall 8 of Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue, offering more than 160 free activities aimed at helping people find work or advance their careers. Organised by Fira de Barcelona and promoted by the Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa, the event is open to all ages and professional backgrounds. Attendance requires prior registration via timed entry slots to manage capacity, with free admission for all visitors.

Discover In-Demand Jobs and Skills

Attendees will have the chance to explore growing sectors such as technology, logistics, construction, mental health services, elder care, creative industries, and the blue economy. Practical demonstrations will showcase real-world tasks from professions including robotics, 3D printing, emergency medical response, floral art, and audiovisual production. Sessions will also highlight future-oriented fields, giving insight into hiring needs and long-term career paths within strategic industries.

  • Creative industries
  • Nature and environmental management
  • Food and agri-food
  • Transport and mobility
  • Security and emergency services
  • Water and sanitation

Upskilling Through Workshops and Advice

A central focus of the fair is skill development and lifelong learning. Visitors can attend workshops on transversal competencies like adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and continuous learning, skills increasingly valued across sectors. Opportunities include training pathways such as university micro-credentials and professional certificates. There will be guidance on identifying personal strengths, managing emotions during job searches, and improving self-awareness for career transitions.

Artificial intelligence will play a key role in shaping how candidates prepare for jobs and navigate recruitment processes.

AI-focused sessions will teach attendees how to use generative tools to build stronger CVs and cover letters, enhance personal branding, and simulate job interviews. Experts will explain how automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and filtering algorithms, sometimes called 'KillBots', screen applications, and how to avoid common pitfalls when submitting digitally. Additional support includes optimising LinkedIn profiles, crafting impactful elevator pitches, and managing non-verbal communication during interviews.

Meet Employers Offering Real Jobs

Around 100 companies and organisations will host stands to present current vacancies and conduct on-site interview sessions. Sectors represented include metalworking, security, transport, mental health, and local commerce. Jobseekers can submit applications directly and speak with recruiters from businesses actively hiring. These interactions aim to create immediate employment opportunities while strengthening connections between talent and industry. Networking events and meetings with sector professionals will allow visitors to learn firsthand about job market demands and qualification requirements.

Personalised Career Support On Site

The fair will feature 45 dedicated advice points offering one-to-one guidance on:

  • Professional retraining
  • Training programme selection
  • Application submission
  • Labor rights
  • CV writing and interview techniques

Each visitor is encouraged to leave with a concrete action plan tailored to their goals.

Co-located with Local Commerce Fair

The Employment Fair coincides with the debut of the Small Retail Fair, part of Barcelona’s designation as the European Capital of Local Commerce 2026. Both events reflect the city’s broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience, support local businesses, and improve employability. While separate in focus, their joint scheduling aims to maximise footfall and engagement across civic, economic, and workforce development initiatives.

Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Ajuntament de Barcelona. Reported by viaempresa.cat, barcelonactiva.cat, firabarcelona.com, Europa Press.