Choosing the right educational path is crucial for young people in a rapidly transforming job market. To address this need, the Amorebieta-Etxano City Council has launched an initiative to help young individuals take their first steps in job searching and identify high-demand career paths.
“"The objective is to provide information for taking the first steps when looking for a job and to know which are the most in-demand career opportunities."
During the fair's first panel discussion, representatives from companies and vocational training centers offered young people a clear perspective on the demands of the labor market. It was highlighted that Bizkaia's industrial sector, in particular, offers numerous opportunities and is constantly evolving, from logistics and industrial techniques to emerging areas driven by artificial intelligence.
Beyond industry, the service and cultural sectors also increasingly require personnel. In cultural management, for example, there is no single academic training, which opens up a wide range of possibilities for entrepreneurial individuals. Vocational Training (FP) is presented as an ideal option, allowing direct contact with companies and immersing students in the working reality as soon as they complete their studies.
“"Within two years, you are already working thanks to direct contact with companies; you encounter the labor reality from the very first moment."
Experts pointed out that the current challenge in the labor market is not a lack of jobs, but rather prejudices that deter young people from certain sectors. Industry, for instance, is still associated with outdated images, but today it is a sector transformed by robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Similarly, the cultural sector is not limited to art alone but encompasses educational, business, and social spheres.
Another important focus of the debate was soft skills. Technical knowledge is not enough; adaptability, empathy, active listening, and teamwork are also fundamental. The FP model has evolved towards challenge-based learning, fostering these skills practically. Ultimately, attitude is the differentiating factor that distinguishes a candidate, demonstrating a willingness to take initiative and propose ideas.
To succeed in job searching, experts recommended designing a defined plan: keeping the CV updated, customizing it for each position, researching company culture, and applying only to offers that genuinely match one's profile. Interview preparation and mental flexibility are equally crucial. The importance of languages was also emphasized; while English is the universal business language, others like German or Chinese make a difference for profiles seeking internationalization. The value of Euskera is also essential for those wishing to develop professionally in the local environment.
In the fair's second panel, success stories from companies in Durangaldea and Amorebieta were analyzed, promoting local talent and rootedness. An expert in Artificial Intelligence highlighted that AI is a valuable tool for job searching and training, and is creating many new jobs. Likewise, a representative from a consolidated company indicated that young people are offered stability, projection, and purpose within an organization with family values but global reach.
Finally, experts reminded young people that their future belongs to them and encouraged them to break glass ceilings and gender biases, expressing a desire to see more women in technical training and more young people in industry. It is vital to consider what one wants to do, but also flexibility to change and adaptation to new market demands.
