The second Sants-Montjuïc Job Fair in Barcelona connected nearly 150 job seekers with local companies, offering around 100 vacancies. Of these positions, 65% were for immediate incorporation and were linked to key economic sectors in the district, according to Barcelona City Council.
Organised by Barcelona Activa and the Sants-Montjuïc district, the event brought together 12 local businesses, including Bauhaus, Lagardere, and Rhenus Logístics. The fair aimed to match their open roles with individuals actively looking for work. Following a successful first edition in 2025, the fair is now a key event for promoting local job placement, particularly for those in municipal training or socio-labour integration programmes.
Raquel Gil, Fifth Deputy Mayor and President of Barcelona Activa, opened the event. She encouraged participants in their job search and highlighted the support and advice available from Barcelona Activa at every stage. Gil emphasised the fair's ability to align local businesses with local talent, stating its dual purpose: to boost employment in key district sectors and to help city companies stay competitive by bringing in local talent. This, she explained, is part of a commitment to a “sustainable and fair economic model, where job opportunities reach all neighbourhoods and all people.”
Preparing Candidates for Success
After the official welcome, the day started with a motivational session designed to build confidence and communication skills among participants. The programme continued with a 'speed dating' format, allowing quick interactions between companies and candidates. A networking area was also available, providing socio-labour information and guidance resources, with participation from local organisations and public services.
A new feature for this second edition was a series of workshops held in the week leading up to the fair. These workshops helped candidates prepare for job searches, offering practical tools for developing an 'elevator pitch' and guidance on tackling selection interviews. This preparation aimed to improve their chances of securing employment.
Promoting Equal Access to Quality Employment
This Sants-Montjuïc Job Fair aligns with Axis 1 of the district's 2024-2027 Economic Development Plan (PDE). This plan prioritises connecting labour supply and demand as a way to achieve inclusive economic growth. The axis focuses on analysing the needs of job-creating companies in strategic local sectors and linking them with job-seeking professionals.
In April 2026, the Sants-Montjuïc district recorded 7,379 unemployed individuals, with 3,007 of these experiencing long-term unemployment. Data from 2024 showed that 27.2% of the population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The average annual salary in the district was €31,984, below the city's average of €35,402, according to available figures.
The fair also forms part of the Barcelona Agreement for Quality Employment 2021-2030 (ABOQ). This strategy aims to improve citizens' access to quality employment and promote greater fairness in the distribution of employment resources and access to the job market. The agreement is the result of collaborative work with major social and economic agents, as well as civil and Third Sector organisations in the Barcelona metropolitan area. This collaboration helps address labour market challenges from an intersectional perspective, particularly concerning gender, age, and origin.
