It is almost ten in the morning in Seville. It is warm in the square in front of the town hall, and passers-by are going about their business, some hurrying, and others slowing down at the fountain. Among them is Eduardo, a tall man in a light-colored shirt and sunglasses. A few months ago, he worked as a warehouse handyman, getting by with temporary jobs, and thought his chances of finding stable work were long gone. Now he has a new job. He teaches hotel guests on the Costa del Sol how to reduce their environmental impact and talks about it with pride.
Next to him is José Manuel. He recently completed a course in solar panel installation. A couple of years ago, he dreamed of a stable job but didn’t know where to find one. Today, he is confident that he is moving in the right direction. Together with dozens of other program participants, they attended the graduation ceremony.
These two men don’t know each other but share a common path. They became part of a project that emerged in response to a simple but troubling question: where will those who want to work but find themselves outside the market go? This question is particularly acute in Andalusia, where thousands of people are looking for a chance to integrate into a new economy, where technology is combined with care for nature, and training provides an opportunity to be part of change.
The solution came from two organizations. One is the Endesa Foundation, known for its sustainable development initiatives. The other is the Konecta Foundation, which works on social projects and supports vulnerable groups. Together, they launched Hub Empleo Verde, a green employment center. The name sounds simple, but behind it lies a whole system: training, guidance, support, and job creation. All this is for those who find themselves in a difficult situation but want to take action.
How Training at the Center Changes Lives
Only a few dozen people enrolled in the first course when the Center opened. Some came with experience in construction, some after a long break from work, and some were considering for the first time that the “green economy” could be a real opportunity. The teachers spoke simply, showed a lot in practice, and did not rush. The first classes were devoted to how solar panels work, how rainwater collection systems work, and how waste is recycled in hotels.
Each participant received knowledge and support. For some, the most important thing was to regain self-confidence. For others, it was to feel that they were no longer alone, that there was a team and mentors. The attitude towards people here is based on respect. They are treated as partners.
Four directions for a sustainable career
After a couple of months, it became clear that the format was working. In addition to a diploma, the training provided concrete employment opportunities. That is why four areas were developed:
- Courses on the installation and maintenance of solar panels;
- Training in ecotourism and environmental education;
- Training for waste management specialists.
- Programs for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of sustainable solutions.
Each area includes a practical component. After class, participants visit sites, talk to employers, and see how theory is implemented. The system is designed so that after completing the course, everyone has a chance to get a contract.
But the most crucial element remains support. After graduation, the Center continues to monitor the progress of its graduates. Mentors help them write resumes, prepare for interviews, and contact employers. In complicated cases, social services and non-profit organizations with which the Center has established partnerships are involved.
In the program’s second half, participants are selected for individual tracks. Each participant is assigned their path depending on their abilities, goals, and circumstances.
Huge Success of the Project
When the project was just starting, many entrepreneurs were wary of it. The green agenda seemed abstract and detached from real-world challenges, and including vulnerable groups seemed too bold. Everything changed after the first results. Employers who invited participants to internships noted their discipline, engagement, and willingness to learn. Some of them even offered to expand the collaboration.
The project team established a dialogue with industry associations to ensure that the collaboration with businesses was sustainable. Regular meetings, training sessions, and business breakfasts were organized. Employers shared their expectations, and coordinators showed how the training was conducted. Gradually, a network of companies willing to invest in the common cause began to form.
Today, more than 100 organizations are participating in the project. These include:
- Hotels and motels implementing environmental standards
- Processing companies in need of skilled personnel
- Solar panel installation companies
- Small cooperatives looking for ways to grow in the new environment
Each os assigned a person who understands why they are there and what value they can create.
The center works closely with small businesses. Its representatives help them incorporate environmental approaches into their daily practices. This creates connections that benefit everyone involved: entrepreneurs receive support, project participants gain opportunities to work and develop, and the regional economy gains new growth points.
Wrapping Up
A center has opened in Andalusia that is changing perceptions of employment. It shows that sustainability is an opportunity for everyone. In just a few months, vulnerable groups, business representatives, regional authorities, and community organizations have come together here. Together, they create jobs and build an economy where every voice matters. The center has become an example of how caring for the environment can go hand in hand with caring for people. This example already changes the rules of the game.