In a significant gathering for the labor market, more than 300 professionals convened at the Disseny Hub in Barcelona for the second edition of the Technical Congress on Professional Orientation. Organized by Barcelona Activa, this event has established itself as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and discussion on pressing issues affecting today’s workforce.
Key themes and expert insights
The congress focused on several critical topics, including the integration of green, digital, and demographic transitions in professional guidance. Attendees explored how data-driven models can enhance job matching and improve personalized services. The role of artificial intelligence was highlighted as a transformative tool in adapting to these changes.
Lorenzo Di Pietro, General Director of Barcelona Activa, emphasized the importance of professional orientation amidst ongoing transformations in the job market. He stated that “accompanying individuals means understanding this transformation, its challenges, and the tools available to help them strengthen their skills.” This perspective underscores a shift from traditional career paths to a focus on competencies that add value in an evolving labor landscape.
The event featured contributions from 26 experts, including futurist Dionís Guzmán, who initiated discussions by addressing how current labor market changes necessitate proactive support systems. He pointed out that identifying necessary skills is crucial for facilitating access to reskilling and upskilling opportunities.
“The future demands not just thinking about professions but about competencies and skills,” said Di Pietro during his opening remarks.
The agenda also included an international keynote by Pedro Moreno from the International Labour Organization, who discussed how digitalization and environmental shifts are reshaping work dynamics. This session led into a roundtable featuring prominent academics who delved deeper into these themes.
A comprehensive analysis of current job market trends was presented alongside various keynotes focusing on AI’s implications for employment. Projects like AI4VET4AI were showcased for their innovative approaches to enhancing learning outcomes through artificial intelligence.
The afternoon sessions were divided into two key areas: one addressing quality employment related to extraordinary regularization processes involving local government participation; another focused on developing anticipatory models of professional orientation. These workshops allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge practically while discussing future employability scenarios.
This congress reinforces Barcelona Activa’s commitment to fostering quality employment opportunities within the city. In 2025 alone, over 12,000 individuals utilized its orientation services as part of an integrated strategy aimed at tackling major labor market challenges.
“This second edition highlights how essential professional guidance is in our continuously transforming environment,” added Guzmán.
The Technical Congress on Professional Orientation has solidified its role as a hub for debate and networking among industry professionals while enhancing Barcelona Activa’s position as a key player in connecting knowledge with community needs through open innovation initiatives.
This event aligns with the objectives outlined in the Acord Barcelona per a l’Ocupació de Qualitat 2021-2030 (ABOQ), which aims to improve citizens’ access to quality jobs while promoting equity in resource distribution within the labor market. Collaborative efforts with social agents ensure that challenges are addressed from an intersectional perspective considering gender, age, and origin factors.
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