La Laguna Launches Employment Program to Combat Long-Term Unemployment

The La Laguna City Council has launched "La Laguna Emplea 2026," a new training and hiring program designed to tackle long-term unemployment in the Canary Islands. Supported by funding from the Canary Islands Employment Service (SCE), the initiative focuses on professional retraining to help those who have been out of the workforce for extended periods.

The program goes beyond simple job placement. It includes a formal training component that allows participants to earn official certifications, helping them become more competitive in today’s demanding job market. Domingo Galván, the councilor for Local Development, emphasized that the project addresses the social and personal challenges of long-term unemployment by combining practical work experience with updated skills.

Participants will gain hands-on experience by working on public interest projects across the municipality. These tasks include maintaining green spaces, managing coastal facilities—specifically in Valle Guerra, Bajamar, and Punta del Hidalgo—and improving local cemeteries and the municipal market.

By combining paid work with regulated training, the La Laguna City Council aims to bridge the gap between job seekers' skills and the needs of local employers. This initiative is intended to provide long-term unemployed residents with the tools they need for lasting career reintegration, rather than offering only a temporary solution.