ESF+ Andalucia
Programme description
The ESF+ regional programme for Andalucía, covering the most populous and the second-largest autonomous community in Spain, is the largest regional ESF+ programme in the country.
With a comprehensive focus on job creation, entrepreneurship, and the social economy, the programme aims to drive positive change across the region. Social inclusion and the fight against poverty are key aspects of all programme activities.
Boosting employment opportunities
In Andalucía, the ESF+ will provide financial support for strong and sustainable business projects, as well as subsidies to create stable employment in existing or newly established cooperatives. Young people, women, jobseekers, and long-term unemployed people with low qualifications will receive particular attention, with integrated pathways developed to help them find jobs. Dedicated support will also be provided to marginalised groups such as Roma, migrants, and victims of gender-based violence.
Access to quality education for all
The programme invests in enhancing language skills, particularly in rural areas, and fostering the creation of new vocational training opportunities to better match market needs and support emerging economic sectors in the region. An important focus is also placed on improving the quality of dual vocational education.
Dedicated actions will provide support to students with special educational needs, promoting home schooling and the acquisition of key competences. Spanish language promotion among migrant students is also a priority.
Education and care services will be extended to students and their families living in socially vulnerable areas to strengthen the educational and socio-emotional development of children. School equipment and family counselling sessions will be offered to young Roma as part of dedicated socio-educational programmes.
Upskilling and lifelong learning
The programme aims to support lifelong learning, namely through the accreditation of competences acquired through work experience and non-formal education, as well as by providing individual learning accounts to support the upskilling of workers.
Job opportunities for young people
ESF+ projects in Andalucía will provide tailored career planning and employment guidance for young people. Special measures will focus on re-engaging those who have left traditional education, facilitating their return to education and training.
The programme will actively support the implementation of the Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve (ALMA) initiative, forging partnerships with national and international agencies to enhance opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) to access the labour market.
Expected impact
Around 1.4 million participants will benefit from the programme, which provides:
- More than 500 000 training and education opportunities.
- Nearly 20 000 activities offering guidance and employment opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged young people, including ALMA.
Benefits will include:
- Nearly 28 000 participations in socio-occupational activities to prevent the risk of exclusion.
- Around 58 000 students re-engaged thanks to measures to tackle early school leaving.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESF+ | 1.787.792.929,00 | 315.492.872,00 | 2.103.285.801,00 |
| Total | 1.787.792.929,00 | 315.492.872,00 | 2.103.285.801,00 |
Priorities and Specific Objectives
Social Europe
Access to employment and activation measures for all
Intergration of marginalised communities such as Roma
Equal access to quality social and healthcare services
Social integration of people at risk
Modernising labour market institutions
Gender balanced labour market participation
Improving education and training systems
Quality and inclusive education and training systems
Lifelong learning and career transitions
Active inclusion and employability
Integration of third country nationals