Tenerife Launches €10 Million Employment Program to Boost Local Infrastructure and Skills

The Tenerife Island Council has announced a new €10 million budget, marking a significant change in how the island manages employment. The funding is available to all 31 municipalities, with the goal of creating jobs that support infrastructure and service projects aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

This new approach aims to professionalize local public work. Unlike previous programs, which supported 521 jobs, this initiative introduces specific technical requirements based on the size of each town. Municipalities must now ensure that between 25% and 50% of their new hires hold technical qualifications, depending on their population size. The goal is to move beyond temporary work and foster genuine economic development.

The program also includes strict social requirements. To promote gender equality, at least 50% of those hired must be women. Priority is given to those who struggle most to find work: young people under 30—including those looking for their first job or the long-term unemployed—and those over 30 who have been out of work for an extended period.

The funds will support projects focused on modernization and sustainability, such as water and waste management, energy efficiency, digital services, and the preservation of local heritage. Island President Rosa Dávila emphasized that these investments must provide clear benefits to the public rather than simply covering routine municipal expenses.

Efraín Medina, the Minister of Employment, Education, and Youth, noted that the program’s success depends on close cooperation between local and island authorities. By allowing town councils to manage the projects, the Island Council can better address specific local needs. This strategy, which combines professional training with hands-on work experience, is designed to build a more stable, skilled, and resilient workforce for the island’s future.