The SOC allocates 125 million euros to subsidize contracts for young people

Young people are historically one of the groups most affected by unemployment and job insecurity. Now, their situation has been further aggravated by the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to EPA data for the second quarter of the year, the unemployment rate for those under 30 reaches 24%, compared to 12.3% for the general population.

To reduce this figure and help young people enter the labor market, the Department of Business and Labor is launching different programs to promote employment and hiring for young people. "From the Government, we have promoted the largest investment in history in active policies, a shock plan of 917 million euros to face unemployment. These resources are aimed at the groups most affected by this lack of work, including young people. We want to offer them the tools to reverse this situation," explained the Minister of Business and Labor, Roger Torrent.

During this last quarter, the Public Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC) will offer aid totaling 125 million euros to companies, self-employed individuals, and associated work cooperatives, for the hiring of people under 30 years of age for one year and full-time. Half of the budget (62.5 million euros) will be specifically allocated to internship contracts for young people with training (either a university degree, intermediate or higher vocational training cycles or equivalents, or professional certificates), and the other half, to contracts for young people who cannot sign an internship contract. In total, the hiring of more than 5,500 unemployed young people is expected.

"From the Government, we have promoted the largest investment in history in active policies, a shock plan of 917 million euros to face unemployment," explained the Minister of Business and Labor, Roger Torrent

As for companies, self-employed individuals, and associated work cooperatives that wish to hire a young worker with financial aid from the SOC, they must be legally constituted and have an operational establishment in Catalonia. Companies may also request the bonus for youth contracts retroactively, up to one month before the publication of the call for subsidies.

Young people who are unemployed and interested in being hired within these programs must contact their Employment Office by calling 900 800 046

The aid can be requested starting from the publication of the calls, expected in the coming weeks. The information will be available on the SOC website.

216 million euros in active policies for young people

In total, the Departament d'Empresa i Treball will allocate 216 million euros, between 2021 and 2022, to active employment policies aimed solely at young people. These specific programs are also complemented by other actions by the SOC and the Department aimed at the general population, which also include young workers.

This historic budget, largely from REACT-EU funds to address the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis and shake up youth unemployment figures, will benefit more than 25,000 young people through aid to companies for hiring those under 30 who are unemployed; through orientation, training, and work experience programs for young people who need specific support; and through vocational training programs for employment. In short, a set of actions to provide an adequate response to the needs and labor realities of each young person.

All SOC programs can be consulted on the website.