A large-scale initiative has been launched in Andalusia, targeting those who are officially registered as job seekers but have shown no activity for years. The regional employment service SAE has decided to break with the usual approach by reaching out directly to 24,000 residents who routinely renew their unemployed status but do not use consultations, training programs, or job search services.
In recent years, almost all procedures for renewing unemployment status have moved online—more than 94% of applications are now submitted over the internet. While convenient, this has caused some people to slip off specialists’ radar. Now SAE is changing its strategy: instead of passively waiting for requests, service employees are proactively contacting these ‘invisible’ applicants to find out their real needs and motivations.
New digital platform and personalized approach
At the heart of these changes is the introduction of the modern digital platform SILA, which consolidates data on candidates and vacancies, analyzes experience, skills, and even readiness to work. This enables specialists to offer personalized pathways—from professional training to tailored support throughout the job search. Employers benefit as well—the system automatically matches suitable candidates, reducing the time spent searching for staff.
Those who are unable to work for valid reasons—such as illness or caring for relatives—will be offered a change in their administrative status to reflect their actual situation. This approach not only improves the efficiency of the service, but also makes the job search process more humane and flexible.
Pilot project and early results
Before rolling out across all of Andalusia, the program was tested in eight regional offices. Of the more than a thousand people invited to participate, two-thirds attended in person, and about two hundred took advantage of career guidance opportunities. This demonstrated that even those who had long stayed away are ready to resume an active job search given the right approach.
The future of the labor market in Andalusia
Regional authorities expect the new system to become the cornerstone of a revamped employment service model. Eventually, it will connect all digital channels—mobile apps, the website, self-service terminals—and will be integrated with the future national platform. The main goal is not just to gather statistics, but to genuinely help people find jobs, unlock their potential, and make the labor market more transparent and effective.
In the coming years, SAE aims to increase the share of job placements through its services, leveraging modern technology for routine tasks and freeing up staff to provide personalized support for each job seeker. This approach could serve as a model for other regions of the country.
