The Polígono Sur cultural center in Seville buzzed with unusual activity for a day, hosting the seventh annual job and entrepreneurship fair. The event brought together 25 companies and hundreds of young people from the neighborhood. For many, it was their first opportunity to speak directly with potential employers and learn about real job offers—there were 137 openings in total.
Polígono Sur has the highest unemployment rate in the country, with almost half of its working-age residents unable to find a job. Around 45,000 people live here, and many families struggle with a lack of prospects. Despite this, event organizers note that young people are increasingly interested in new professions and eager to learn.
Among the participants were both major companies and representatives from construction, services, retail, and even the armed forces, which offered thousands of positions across Spain. Some employers specifically targeted women, while others were ready to hire those just starting out.
This year, special attention was given to digital skills and artificial intelligence. Young attendees took part in workshops on modern technologies, while representatives of major telecommunications firms talked about free training opportunities and career growth in IT. There are plans to open a specialist training center in Seville, following the successful model already operating in Málaga.
Technology and new careers: opportunities for youth
Many employers say they are willing to hire not only those with formal education, but also self-taught individuals who have mastered programming or networking on their own. There are many young people in the area who are learning everything by themselves, and new opportunities are opening up specifically for them.
For most job fair participants, the chance to speak directly with companies turned out to be a real discovery. Normally, the job search here is complicated by bureaucracy and paperwork issues. Now, young people have the opportunity to showcase themselves and learn that employers value not only experience, but also motivation.
However, not all families support the desire of young people to seek official employment. Some prefer their children to work off the books so as not to lose eligibility for social benefits. This creates additional barriers to integrating young people into the legal labor market.
District issues: drugs and social barriers
Despite positive changes, Polígono Sur still faces serious challenges. In some neighborhoods, illegal marijuana plantations are common, and some young people are involved in the shadow economy. This hinders the development of the legal labor market and reduces motivation to look for official employment.
Nevertheless, such fairs are becoming important events for the entire district. They give residents a chance to see real development opportunities, meet employers, and believe in themselves. Organizers believe that these initiatives help change attitudes toward work and foster new values among young people.
In a district where people survived for years on odd jobs, employment is starting to be seen as a real opportunity. For many young people, participating in the fair was their first step toward independence and new possibilities.
