In Alicante, a broad effort is underway to help long-term unemployed individuals aged 30 and over rejoin the workforce. Through the Avalem Experiència Plus program, local organizations will recruit approximately 750 people who meet the eligibility criteria. Labora and the benefiting municipalities select candidates from among those who satisfy the required conditions, ensuring a fair and targeted distribution of opportunities across the province.
There is no prerequisite to be registered with the program when starting the process with the Department of Sustainable Economy, Productive Industries, Trade and Labor. However, interested applicants must be registered as job seekers with Labora. Each Espacio Labora conducts tailored surveys of residents who meet the criteria established by their City Council, helping to identify the best matches for available roles.
Contracts under Avalem Experiència Plus run for 12 months and are offered on a full-time basis. Subsidies vary according to the worker’s contribution group, ensuring that compensation aligns with each individual’s professional status. It is crucial for each unemployed person to keep their claim up to date so they remain visible to recruiters and maximize their chances of selection. Across the province, there are 131 beneficiary organizations participating in the program, creating a wide network of placement opportunities.
The Avalem Experiència Plus initiative was launched in 2020 as a response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its aim is to provide meaningful employment and hands-on training to unemployed adults aged over 30, regardless of their current vocational qualifications. In the previous year, the program reported that 2,200 job placements had been secured, underscoring its impact and scale.
For this year, the funding allocated includes 30 million euros for the call, supplemented by support from the European Social Fund (ESF). An additional 55,000 million euros, drawn from the Rescue and REACT-EU programs, supports recovery efforts across Europe. Spain receives a portion of these funds, distributed among various administrations to implement during state and regional programmes aimed at reviving employment and strengthening social cohesion.
The Operational Program of the European Social Fund for the Community of Valencia incorporates a dedicated REACT-EU axis. Its overarching goal is to back the recovery from the crisis while simultaneously fostering a green, digital, and resilient economy in the wake of the pandemic. This priority outlines actions to ease labor market access, stimulate job creation, and improve the quality of employment opportunities available to residents.
Avalem Experiència Plus is structured around several strategic lines. One core pillar is recruitment support, combined with measures to assist people over 30 in balancing personal, family, and work responsibilities. The program also promotes contracts that contribute to gender equality and workplace stability, ensuring that employment opportunities support inclusive and fair work environments.
Additionally, the program emphasizes ongoing professional development. It funds training to update and expand qualifications, supports entrepreneurial ventures, and funds activities such as self-employment initiatives, career orientation, and job search assistance. In this way, Avalem Experiència Plus not only places people in roles but also strengthens their long-term employability and adaptability in a changing job market.