Local Firms Open Doors to Jobseekers
The children's clothing store De 0 a 16 in La Verneda i la Pau has joined the 'Itineraris amb futur' (Pathways with a Future) project, a job placement programme supporting disadvantaged residents into work while strengthening local business and social networks. The store has taken on an intern to assist with digital marketing. "We are a traditional store, and it's hard for us to make these kinds of transformations," says manager Pilar Barber. "I'm sure they will bring us new things, and we hope to contribute as well."
Diverse Skills Matched to Community Needs
Participants in the scheme bring varied professional backgrounds. Some focus on administration or technology, while others offer artistic skills or tailoring experience. Karen Vázquez, a participant originally trained as a lawyer in Colombia, now volunteers providing legal consultations and credential validations through the programme. She hopes the experience will help her secure formal employment in the legal field in Catalonia.
Getting to know the dynamics of the neighborhood, the entities, what is done in the community fabric, etc., allows people to find an active space in Sant Martí where they can pursue different training and professional paths.
Narda Rey from the Provençals de la Verneda Neighborhood Association, which co-promotes the project with adult education organisation Àgora, said the aim is to embed participants within the local ecosystem.
Building Sustainable Local Networks
The 'Itineraris amb futur' project was launched with support from Unada, a social accelerator initiative by Aigües de Barcelona. Nerea Plaza, head of social action at the utility company, said the goal is for the programme to become self-sustaining by securing further funding and partnerships. By connecting jobseekers with local businesses and associations, organisers aim to help participants build lasting professional networks that extend beyond the duration of the project.
Reported by beteve.cat, betevé.
