The mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Maider Etxebarria, and the Vice-Lehendakari and Minister of Economy, Labor, and Employment of the Basque Government, Mikel Torres, presented today at the City Hall the new roadmap for the Alava capital. This plan will boost economic development and employment, with the goal of providing jobs to 700 unemployed individuals in the next two years.
Etxebarria explained that the new plan is the result of collaboration between institutions, social, and economic agents, and seeks to "promote economic activity, stable employment, and the strengthening of our business and social fabric", expressing confidence that the designed projects will be "the starting point of a living plan, open to Vitoria-Gasteiz and the needs of companies and citizens".
For his part, Minister Mikel Torres highlighted that the plan represents "a new way of understanding public employment policies: closer, more coordinated, and better adapted to the reality of each territory". Torres emphasized that "a good plan does not just analyze reality; its true value lies in helping us prepare today the answers we will need tomorrow", and defended the need to anticipate the changes that are already transforming the labor market. "We do not want to limit ourselves to managing the present; we want to build the future of employment. The challenge is not just to create more and better employment, but to prepare the talent we will need tomorrow", he stated.
To this end, the Plan is structured around 5 major strategic objectives and 36 actions. These include rebalancing and cohesion of the city, improving the competitiveness of the economic ecosystem through innovation and digitalization, optimizing the sustainable use of resources, and strengthening the employability of individuals facing greater difficulties in accessing employment.
The new plan will pay special attention to groups facing the most challenges in accessing employment: individuals without qualifications, unemployed people over 45 years old, and women. With the aim of 700 unemployed individuals finding work within two years, it includes direct hiring through municipal employment plans and aid to companies to promote hiring. This aid will range from 10,000 to 13,000 euros for hiring individuals over 45, with an increase of 10% to 15% if women or long-term unemployed individuals are hired.
Furthermore, opportunities related to the "Silver Economy" will be explored, seeking employment, business, and innovation opportunities linked to the needs and demands of people over 60 years old. Additionally, the project 'Analysis of new support avenues for Local Talent' will identify initiatives to attract, retain, or recover talent.
Maider Etxebarria concluded by recalling that this plan is committed to building an economic environment "more prosperous, inclusive, and prepared for the future", with a project open to the participation of citizens, companies, and organizations.
