The second Sants-Montjuïc Employment Fair, organised by Barcelona Activa, successfully connected 150 job candidates with 12 local companies on Wednesday, 13 May. This initiative aimed to fill vacancies and support employment within the district.

Over 65% of the job offers available were for immediate incorporation. These roles focused on key economic sectors within the Sants-Montjuïc district. Companies like Bauhaus, Lagardere, and Rhenus Logístics participated, seeking to match their openings with local talent.

Raquel Gil, Fifth Deputy Mayor and President of Barcelona Activa, inaugurated the event. She highlighted the agency's support for job seekers. Ms Gil stated the fair "aligns the business fabric with local talent."

The fair's dual purpose is to help people find work in important district sectors. It also helps city companies stay competitive by bringing in local talent. This aligns with Barcelona's commitment to a fair and sustainable economic model. The model ensures job opportunities reach all neighbourhoods and residents.

Following a successful first edition in 2025, the fair now serves as a key platform. It helps local residents find jobs, especially those completing municipal training programmes. The event started with a motivational session to build confidence and communication skills. Attendees then participated in 'speed dating' sessions with companies. A networking area also offered orientation resources from local public services and organisations.

This year, candidates could attend workshops the week before the fair. These sessions prepared them for job searches. They offered practical tools for creating an 'elevator pitch' and facing selection interviews.

Addressing Local Unemployment

The Sants-Montjuïc Employment Fair supports Axis 1 of the district's Economic Development Plan 2024-2027. This plan prioritises connecting job supply and demand. It sees this connection as a way to achieve inclusive economic growth. According to the Ajuntament, Sants-Montjuïc recorded 7,379 unemployed people in April 2026. Of these, 3,007 were long-term unemployed.

Data from 2024 showed that 27.2% of the district's population faced a risk of poverty or social exclusion. The average annual salary in Sants-Montjuïc was €31,984. This figure is below the city's average of €35,402. These statistics show the urgency of local employment initiatives.

Barcelona's Commitment to Quality Employment

The fair forms part of the broader Barcelona Agreement for Quality Employment 2021-2030. This strategy aims to improve residents' access to quality jobs. It also seeks to promote fairer distribution of employment resources. The agreement helps ensure equal access to the job market across Barcelona. Initiatives like the Sants-Montjuïc fair are central to achieving these city-wide goals.

For residents of Sants-Montjuïc, a significant Barcelona district, these fairs offer direct pathways to employment. They also help local businesses find skilled workers. This strengthens the district's economy and social fabric. Tourists and expats may find these efforts show Barcelona's commitment to local welfare.

Barcelona Activa will continue its work to connect local talent with business needs. The success of this second fair suggests future editions will remain a key resource. These efforts aim to reduce unemployment and boost economic stability in Sants-Montjuïc. They also support the wider city's economic development plans.

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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.