In Barcelona there is a group of young people between 16 and 24 years old who do not have work or studies after compulsory education. These are young people with conditions of high social vulnerability who, if they do not leave this circle, basically with training, run the risk of remaining in poverty standards throughout their lives, with fewer possibilities of permanent contracts, lower levels of health, well-being and satisfaction with life.
A study prepared by the BCNFP Foundation and the Economic and Social Council of Barcelona has quantified, radiographed and located them in the city's neighborhoods thanks to the 2021 census and other sources.
"There are 14,877 minors under 24 years of age who have at most ESO," explains Ángel Tarriño, coordinator of the FP Observatory (of the BCNFP Foundation). This figure represents 10.8% of the total number of young people in this age. It is worth remembering that of the 140,000 young people of Barcelona of this age, almost half are studying and more than a quarter are employed.
"Almost 11% is a significant figure to undertake specific public policies as they do in other countries," says Tarriño. Among the recommendations, it proposes better detection of this population, even before they leave the institute since it is more difficult later, comprehensive support, offering training appropriate to their expectations (such as professional certificates) and living conditions, and financial support. , even linked to his permanence in studies. In addition, they propose providing more information about economic activities that need immediate reintegration assistants.
In this group, the bulk are men and between 23 and 24 years old. Half have immigrant origins. Unemployment is higher in the foreign population (22% of the foreign population does not have post-compulsory studies and does not work), compared to 7% of young people of Spanish nationality in the same circumstances. "But it is not a question of origin but of conditions of vulnerability," explains Tarriño, who also included qualitative results on an analyzed sample in the study. "It means not having internet at home, for example, your parents not having expectations about training, trusting you to contribute financially as soon as possible," he gives as an example.
Curiously, 70% want to work and at least half have taken action to look for a job, but only 30% are registered for unemployment. "This disconnection with the labor system makes it difficult for the system to find these young people through more traditional means," says Tarriño.
In any case, 7 out of 10 (more than 10,200) want a job. Among those who do not seek it, they claim to be taking non-regulated training (and not officially accredited), incapacity due to health or family responsibilities.
The pockets of youth precariousness are located on the map of Barcelona. There are two districts with a high proportion of young people without post-compulsory studies and who do not work. These are Nou Barris and Ciutat Vella (23% of the total each). Followed by Sant Martí and Sants-Montjuïc (in variables of 20%) compared to the almost symbolic percentage of Les Corts (5%), Gràcia (7%) and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (11%), whose parameters are close to Horta-Guinardó (13%).
The authors of the study recommend offering flexible, modular itineraries, viable horizons, close support and financial aid to these young people who, due to their vulnerability, may be at risk of exclusion throughout their lives. To achieve this, they propose a series of measures, starting with a structural change in the support dynamics: that schools, third sector entities, social agents and companies work in a "coordinated", "stable", "solid" way. And they do not reject financial support through salary or contribution scholarships in exchange for remaining on a job placement itinerary.
Recovering the figure of the apprentice in certain economic fields would help both the company that is looking for a worker and the young people who could be trained in this activity. Testing in different trades would also help to orient yourself better. "One cause of dropping out of school in cycles is, precisely, the erroneous perception about studies, therefore, trying some activities, with short experiences, can help choose a profession and generate good training expectations," says Tarriño.
The study also identifies five activities that urgently need labor at auxiliary levels. Socio-community animation, warehouse, hospitality, construction and commerce. "They need people and they can't find them and they only require, initially, short training courses," explains the author of the report.
In commerce, for example, windows of opportunity are opening in food, in the areas of butchery, delicatessen, fishmonger, bakery or pastry shop.
Regarding social agents, the report considers that institutes can detect signs of school dropout. To begin with, it is in the educational center where abandonment occurs and teachers can identify the feeling of rejection that usually accompanies the lack of continuity in training. Early detection allows students to be offered alternatives, or appropriate referrals. Centers can also offer professional horizons.
For their part, third sector entities are leading institutions in supporting young people at risk of exclusion both in the social, educational and labor spheres.
Likewise, public and private family, childhood and adolescent care services and teams develop individual improvement plans that involve the coordination and services of other entities. Young people over 16 years of age are referred to training centers.
Finally, companies have a fundamental role as prescribers of the most needed professional profiles and as centers in which skills can be trained and assisted in insertion.
Among other recommendations, it is also proposed that students of training and insertion programs (PFI) be guaranteed continuity in a mid-level vocational training cycle. A reservation of places as happens with ESO students, who are guaranteed it.
It is also proposed to offer more options that combine training and work (the dualization of studies) with remuneration for their work dedication. And show itineraries that are not linear in time, but modular, that allow them to enter and leave training, accumulating training.
Regarding the vulnerability indicators that are known to lead to educational abandonment, it is proposed to specifically address them. The lack of stable conditions in daily life is one of those factors. Therefore, the study proposes offering financial scholarships for food, transportation and costs associated with training.
And for young people from shelters, who lack family and friendship networks in a locality, guarantee a certain degree of coverage of basic maintenance needs with the commitment to carry out a job placement itinerary.
