Tenerife’s €2 Million Boost for Local Employment
The Tenerife Island Council has launched a major initiative to improve job prospects for 630 vulnerable residents, 56.5% of whom are women. With a two-million-euro investment, the council is funding twelve non-profit organizations from the third sector to deliver specialized employment programs. This funding is strategically directed towards new and growing economic niches, creating pathways into sustainable careers.
Focus on Future-Proof Sectors
The employment programs are designed to equip participants with skills for the economies of the future. Key areas of focus include sustainability, energy efficiency, and the so-called blue, green, and orange economies. The blue economy promotes the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources while protecting the environment. The green economy aims to reduce our ecological footprint through the efficient use of natural resources. The orange economy integrates culture and creativity into a viable business model.
Comprehensive Training for Hundreds
This week, the President of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, and the Minister of Employment, Education, and Youth, Efraín Medina, met with representatives from the organizations implementing these programs. Together, they will provide over 4,700 hours of training, with 80% being theoretical and 20% practical. The programs are linked to activities in the blue and green economies—such as sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and the circular economy—as well as energy efficiency in industry and construction. Additional training will be offered in various services, including healthcare, new technologies, active tourism, and culture.
Empowering Vulnerable Groups
Of the 630 people participating in the programs, 85% belong to groups that typically face significant barriers to employment. These include women who are victims of gender-based violence, people with disabilities, the long-term unemployed, migrants, individuals with no prior work experience, and those over 45 years of age. Sixty percent of the participants have academic qualifications, while the remaining forty percent lack formal training, making this initiative crucial for leveling the playing field.
Building a Stronger Island Economy
During the meeting, President Rosa Dávila thanked the organizations for “the quality of the projects presented.” She stated, “They are adapted to the reality we live in, they are innovative, and they have a truly positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.” She emphasized that promoting access to decent employment is a top priority for the Island Council. “Therefore, we must continue to work hand in hand with economic and social agents to keep generating opportunities on the Island,” Dávila said, highlighting that “the number of workers in Tenerife has increased by over 16,000 in the last year, and unemployment has fallen to 12.63%, two points below the Canary Islands average.”
Meeting the Demand for Skilled Workers
Minister Efraín Medina pointed out that “through this grant, we are promoting, together with the third sector, the hiring and training of people in fields that are demanding qualified workers.” He listed specific sectors with high demand, including electrical work, public transport, urban waste management, welding, and organic farming.
A Broader Commitment to Opportunity
The island’s budget for next year allocates 41 million euros to “open doors and improve employment opportunities for the people of Tenerife.” This comprehensive strategy includes reinforcing scholarships, which are described as “the best policy in the entire country,” and supporting educational programs like Cabildo Educa. It also boosts employability initiatives for key groups through programs like Barrios por el Empleo, Programa Practica, and Artesanos. Support is extended to youth associations and youth centers, alongside programs focused on health education, addiction prevention, and promoting innovative healthy lifestyle habits.
Tenerife as an Economic Engine
President Dávila concluded by noting that Tenerife “accounts for almost half of all new hires in the Archipelago. Last October, the island registered 32,500 new contracts, which shows that Tenerife continues to act as a driving force for the Canary Islands’ economy.” She affirmed that “these figures reflect a joint effort between the Island Council, the private sector, and workers, who strengthen the productive fabric every day, building a labor market with more opportunities for all.”
