Hub Empleo Verde: connecting talent with a sustainable future
Rebuilding lives together
Originally published in La Voz de Endesa. Author: Graciela de la Morena Carra
Access to the job market remains an obstacle course for many people in vulnerable situations. In this context, the green sector is emerging as a concrete and transformative opportunity. The Hub Empleo Verde initiative, launched by Konecta Foundation, is a pioneering project designed to train, guide, and connect people in vulnerable situations with real jobs in sectors linked to sustainability and the environment.
Access to the job market remains an obstacle course for many people in vulnerable situations. Young people with limited education, migrants, long-term unemployed individuals or people with disabilities face structural barriers every day that restrict their opportunities, from a lack of networks to a low perceived qualification level among companies.
And while the economy shows signs of recovery, with an unemployment rate of 10.29% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the reality for these groups remains very complex. More than 2.5 million people remain unemployed, many for over a year, trapped in structural unemployment that requires specific and inclusive solutions.
In this context, the green sector emerges as a concrete and transformative opportunity. The ecological transition is generating new jobs that are not only environmentally sustainable but also more inclusive and resilient. From recycling and the circular economy to energy efficiency and sustainable mobility, the green ecosystem needs talent. And that talent can also be found in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
A joint commitment to sustainable employability
With this vision, Konecta Foundation launched Hub Empleo Verde in Madrid in 2022, a pioneering initiative developed with the support of JPMorganChase. The goal is clear: to train, guide, and connect people in vulnerable situations with real jobs in sectors linked to sustainability and the environment.
In 2025, thanks to a collaboration with Fundación Endesa, the program expanded to Andalusia, a key region both for its social challenges and for its potential in green jobs.
Hub Empleo Verde not only offers technical training adapted to market needs, but also personalized guidance, soft-skills workshops, and direct connections with committed companies. Training focuses on high-demand sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, green-area maintenance and energy efficiency, with pathways that combine training, internships, and real employability.
Results that create impact
Since its launch, the program has achieved significant results:
- More than 2,800 people informed and engaged in green employment through workshops, talks, and outreach activities.
- 785 personalized training and employability pathways.
- 178 successful job placements in green jobs, with ongoing follow-up.
- 8 entrepreneurship workshops held, with more than 100 participants trained in sustainable self-employment.
- A consolidated collaboration network: 110 social entities, 325 companies, 78 universities and training centers, and 92 public administrations actively involved.
Beyond the numbers, the human impact shines through stories like that of Mónica, a participant in Madrid. A migrant woman with a strong academic background and more than 13 years of experience, she represents many highly qualified profiles who join the program seeking jobs that match their trajectory, capabilities and vocation. Today, thanks to Hub Empleo Verde, she is coordinator of the waste plant at a major company in the sector.
“I am doing work where I can apply my knowledge, manage a team, continue growing and keep making a positive impact on society with my experience and commitment.”
There is also Manuel, a participant in Andalusia. He trained in waste management and, based on his interests and skills, the program designed a personalized pathway for him. Today he is an inspiring example of someone who has recognized “a real job opportunity” in this sector, as he recently shared in El Economista:
“My job now gives me economic stability and helps protect the environment. Before, I only found precarious jobs with no future. This opportunity changed everything.”
Another example is Jerry, a young Bolivian who arrived in Spain three years ago seeking a better future. He now works as a Solar Panel Installation Technician, with a stable and specialized job that allows him to grow professionally and build the future he dreamed of when he arrived in Spain.
“I feel happy and fulfilled. I do technical work that is well valued, where I can apply my knowledge, keep learning and build the future I dreamed of when I arrived in Spain.”
And Malick, a migrant who joined Hub Empleo Verde wanting to stabilize his working life after several undocumented jobs. During training he stood out for his commitment and positive attitude, and completed his internship at an environmental services company partnered with the program. His excellent performance earned him a job offer at the end of the internship.
“I’ve always cared about the environment, but I didn’t know I could work in something like this. Now I wake up each day knowing that my work helps keep the city clean and sets an example for others.”
Their stories reflect the true purpose of Hub Empleo Verde: connecting vocation, sustainability, and real employment opportunities to build a fairer, greener future.
Looking ahead: the future of work is green and inclusive
Green employment is already a reality, and the growing demand for skilled profiles shows the effort companies are making to adapt to this new landscape. The main challenge is to provide proper training for new workers and update the skills of current ones.
Our commitment to sustainable employability continues. We aim to expand the reach of Hub Empleo Verde to more regions, strengthen connections with green companies and keep proving that the ecological transition will only be fair if it is also inclusive.
Thanks to partners like Fundación Endesa and JPMorganChase, we will continue multiplying opportunities so that people in vulnerable situations not only find a job, but also a true path to personal, economic and social development.
Graciela de la Morena Carra
Executive Director of Konecta Foundation
