The Valencian municipality of Aldaia has launched a ambitious training program for 20 young people with the aim of strengthening the local reconstruction Following the devastating floods of October 2024, this initiative aims to provide students with the necessary skills and support while simultaneously offering them a stable career path. It is a medium-term project that combines practical experience with a solid theoretical foundation.
Through the municipal program “Aldaia encourages young people”The City Council has designed two distinct training itineraries: one focused on the gardening and maintenance of green areas and another one geared towards the administrative and customer service tasks, so that both the environmental and organizational needs of the council are met.
A group of 20 young people involved in the recovery of Aldaia
In this edition they participate 20 people under 30 years of ageAll of them are previously registered with Labora, the Valencian Employment and Training Service, and the Youth Guarantee system. This requirement ensures that the initiative is aimed at young people with difficulties entering the workforce and who are seeking their first solid professional experience.
The training began in October 2025In a context still marked by the consequences of the intense DANA storm of 2024, which caused damage in various parts of the municipality, the project has been designed precisely so that the students' daily activities contribute directly to the Reconstruction and improvement of Aldaia.
The proposal is developed in the following format: alternation trainingThat is, it combines theoretical classes with paid practical work. In this way, students not only acquire knowledge but also gain real-world experience in a professional environment, something highly valued when looking for a job.
In total, the program includes 1.920 hours of training spread over 12 continuous months, until its completion in October 2026. This volume of hours allows for in-depth study of both the technical aspects of each specialty and transversal skills related to teamwork and citizen service.
Ten young people are training in gardening and green area maintenance
Half of the group, 10 jóvenes, follows a route specifically linked to the gardening, plant nurseries and the care of green spacesThis training program is crucial in a town that has had to rebuild parks, gardens and public areas after the damage caused by the DANA storm.
Within this itinerary, students specialize in auxiliary activities in nurseries, gardens and garden centersThey learn to handle basic tools, prepare soils, carry out plantings and identify the irrigation and fertilization needs of different plant species.
Furthermore, they are trained in the Installation and maintenance of gardens and green areasThis includes tasks such as pruning, pest control, designing small garden areas, and the ongoing maintenance of public spaces. These skills are particularly useful in city councils, municipal service companies, and park maintenance companies.
The practical component takes place in real-world settings within the municipality itself, allowing each student to see the direct impact of their work on the daily life of Aldaia. At the same time, They improve squares, play areas, or green spaces, They contribute to restoring the town's image after the episodes of torrential rain.
This type of gardening training also responds to a growing demand for green profiles Both in Spain and in the rest of Europe, the renaturalization of cities, the increase in green areas and the sustainable management of water are gaining importance in public policies.
Another group of 10 young people specializes in administration and customer service.
Meanwhile, the other half of the group, 10 more participants, follows a training itinerary focused on the auxiliary operations of administrative and general servicesThis path is designed for those who feel more comfortable with office tasks and document management.
The theoretical and practical content ranges from the basic document processing From file organization to the use of common computer applications in local government, students learn to use word processors, spreadsheets, and case management software.
Another key area is the attention to citizensThe young people receive specific training to manage face-to-face and telephone consultations, answer emails, offer clear information and deal with people with very diverse profiles, always with empathy and respect.
During the internship period, many of these participants They collaborate in various municipal departmentsThis gives them insight into the inner workings of a town hall: registration, public service departments, internal management areas and other essential services.
This administrative process opens doors to future jobs in public and private entitiesbecause the skills acquired are in high demand in offices, consultancies, service companies and third sector organizations throughout Spain.
A 12-month training program promoted by Labora
The courses have a total duration of 12 months of work and learningThis allows students to settle into a training routine and see real progress in both knowledge and work independence. It's not a short workshop, but an ongoing process that supports young people throughout the year.
The initiative is driven by Labora, the Valencian Employment and Training Servicein collaboration with the Aldaia City Council. All participants met the requirements of being registered with both Labora and the Youth Guarantee program, aimed at young people who are neither working nor studying.
Thanks to this institutional support, not only is the project's financing facilitated, but also the Career guidance and personalized follow-up of each participant. This helps to identify specific needs, reinforce areas where there are more difficulties, and better guide the steps after the course ends.
The 1.920-hour structure, alternating between theory and practice, ensures that the content extends beyond the classroom. Each training module is accompanied by... real tasks in the municipal environmentThis reinforces learning and improves students' confidence when facing the job market.
For a municipality like Aldaia, having a group of young people trained in gardening, green services and basic administration It also represents an opportunity to modernize and improve its own internal operations and the image of its public spaces.
Improve youth employability and support reconstruction
Beyond technical training, the program has among its priorities improve youth employability from the municipality. Many of the participants faced the difficulty of accessing a first stable job, something that is often a major obstacle to becoming independent and planning a life project.
The experience accumulated during the course year allows young people to be able to access a wider range of job opportunitieswhether in gardening and maintenance companies, in public administrations or in private companies that need administrative support staff.
At the same time, the work they do has a direct impact on the Reconstruction and recovery of Aldaia after the DANA stormThe landscaping of gardens, the improvement of green areas and the strengthening of municipal services help the town to return to normal and improve its urban environment.
The program also encourages the interaction among the young people themselvesThey share experiences, support each other, and build networks that can be useful in the future. It's not uncommon for collaborations, job recommendations, and even new project ideas to emerge from initiatives like this.
With this type of mixed training, Aldaia stands as a good example of How can local councils combine active youth employment policies? with concrete actions to improve their municipality, giving prominence to new generations and providing visible benefits for all citizens.
