In Spain, Veolia, a company specializing in water, energy, and waste management, is spearheading initiatives to boost employabilityEmpleabilidad and social inclusion. These programs target groups facing the toughest barriers to entering the labor market. With 25.8% of the population at risk of social exclusion, particularly among young people and immigrants, the lack of specific training remains a critical obstacle. In this scenario, models that blend technical skills with real-world experience are vital, especially in strategic sectors like renewable energy and waste managementGestión de residuos, where qualified profiles are in high demand.
A standout example is the Dual Training initiative launched in 2022 at the TorrePET plastic recycling plant in Torremejía, Badajoz. This program emerged from a specific operational need: to expand the plant's production capacity while creating opportunities for 15 vulnerable youths. Following this success, the model was replicated in Madrid in 2024. Co-funded by the European Union, this Dual VET program caters to both young adults (18-30) and long-term unemployed seniors (over 45). The methodology is practical and immersive: participants spend 65% of their time working at the company and 35% receiving technical instruction at partner centers like the Agremia Technical School.
The results speak for themselves. In the most recent edition, 14 participants obtained an official certificate in the assembly and maintenance of HVACClimatización (Heating, Ventilation, Air Cond.) systems, and the majority were hired immediately. For students like Anastasia Rodríguez, this format requires rapid adaptation but offers a direct path back into the workforce.
Beyond technical training, Veolia addresses chronic vulnerability through the OLA Program (Occupation, Leadership, and Accompaniment), launched in 2020 alongside the Red CrossCruz Roja. Recognizing that economic instability makes job hunting nearly impossible, OLA provides a holistic safety net. It covers basic needs while offering emotional support and job placement guidance. Over five years, OLA has transformed the lives of over 1,000 participants across 18 municipalities, including Barcelona, León, and Alicante. As Jennifer, a participant from Alicante, notes, the human warmth and personalized support are just as important as the professional opportunities.
