Canary Islands Youth Employment Internship Initiative

Overview

The Canary Islands government has officially published a new agreement to promote youth employment through internships. On May 13, 2026, a declaration was made public formalizing a partnership between the Canary Islands Employment Service, the Canary Islands University Foundation, and the Canary Islands Business Confederation. Signed on March 16, 2026, the agreement is part of the 'Cataliza VIII' project, which aims to help young people with degrees break into the job market by offering non-labor internships in local companies.

Objectives and Design

This initiative is designed to give young graduates real-world experience without requiring prior professional work history. The publication also includes a list of companies that have committed to participate, encouraging a more practical approach to employment for recent graduates.

Regional Goals

The move aligns with regional efforts to:

• reduce youth unemployment
• create pathways to stable employment

This is especially crucial in a region with historically high youth unemployment rates.

Transparency and Civic Engagement

Officially declared in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands, the agreement underscores a commitment to:

transparency and civic engagement, making information about public-private collaboration readily accessible to residents and stakeholders.

Policy Reflection

The initiative reflects regional policies geared towards:

• fostering economic growth
• promoting social inclusion

These efforts aim to directly impact young people seeking to establish careers in the Canary Islands.