The Federation of Salesian Social Platforms Pinardi and the Community of Madrid have announced their "First Professional Experience" (PEP) program. This initiative, which has been active for years, enables the training and job placement of young people at risk of social exclusion.
Representatives from companies such as Ibedrola, La Caixa, UPS, Ferrovial, El Corte Inglés, Sacyr, Orange, Meliá, IBM, JP Morgan, Auren, Parques Reunidos, and Clece attended the event held in Madrid. Family, Youth and Social Policy Councilwoman for the Community of Madrid, Concepción Dancausa, warned of two issues regarding employment: the worrying youth unemployment rate and the difficulties of companies in filling certain positions.
"We don't have time to waste," said Dancausa, who broke a lance in favor of young people: "They are restless, creative, and enterprising. And they want to learn." The councilor presented the "First Professional Experience" as "a model of work immersion to increase the social and labor employability of young people who are early school dropouts." In this regard, she highlighted the work of the Salesians and encouraged companies to give young people an opportunity through this project.
Along the same lines, Javier Doval, general coordinator of Pinardi, spoke of "young people who need a proposal that focuses on them and their enormous potential." As he explained, "PEP wants to be a personalized program in a real work environment, which, as much as possible, develops practical training. Thanks to the companies that are committed and a triple accompaniment of people who inspire the young people, it will allow them to acquire personal and professional skills, achieving an impact in the host community."
The presentation concluded with testimonies from two young people and three representatives of companies participating in the program.
About the project
"First Professional Experience" was created with the vocation of responding to the problem of youth unemployment. The project offers an alternative to increase the employment rate of young people with difficulties in various sectors, such as hospitality and logistics.
The pathway is based on a comprehensive or holistic focus on the person (personal, social, family and labor), the acquisition of experience, and training by seeking higher quality in placement. After perfecting their work skills, participants work in collaborating companies and, finally, have the opportunity to enter the world of work or continue their studies.
On a global level, the project targets young people who have not completed their studies, who present a personal, social, and economic situation of risk. At all times, they are accompanied by educational teams and professional mentors from companies.
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