92 young people take the leap into employment in Barcelona thanks to the Create Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism program

On March 4, 92 young people took an important step in building their professional future in hospitality thanks to the Create Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism program by Fundación Mahou San Miguel, with the support of Fundación Exit throughout their training. The event was held at the INS Escola d’Hoteleria i Turisme de Barcelona (EHTB), where students, institutions, social organizations, and partner companies came together to celebrate the program’s success and highlight the role of young people as protagonists of their own development.

As in previous editions, the program welcomes young people with enthusiasm for hospitality and offers them real employment opportunities in more than 80 partner establishments in Barcelona, including Fismuler, Dos Palillos, Grupo Olivé, Grupo Banco de Boquerones, Vincci Mae, and Grup Arenal, among many others. In this edition, 92 students received specialized training, achieving a 90% employment rate and a retention rate above 96%, thus consolidating their preparation and facilitating their access to the labor market.

Meaningful training and comprehensive support

During the event, attendees were able to directly see the students’ work, as they prepared and served an appetizer as a practical demonstration of what they had learned during their training. This moment highlighted not only their skills but also the commitment of all involved parties: teachers, public administrations, social organizations, and companies in the hospitality sector.

The participation of Fundación Exit was key in this edition. As the organization responsible for accompanying the students, our team was with each young person throughout the entire training process, offering mentorship, personalized support, and guidance so that each one could face their academic and professional journey with confidence and security. This work contributes to reducing dropout rates, improving retention, and preparing students for the labor challenges of the sector.

Voices that inspire

“These young people are the future of a sector that makes people happy. We are committed to providing them with the best training and opportunities so they can develop their careers in this sector. The alliance between Fundación Mahou San Miguel and hospitality and culinary schools is a wonderful synergy where 1+1 equals 11 because the program’s model is both educational and business-oriented,” highlights Virginia Luca de Tena, director of Fundación Mahou San Miguel.

Among the students, stories like that of Naomí Núñez, 18 years old from Honduras, show how the program allows participants to discover vocations and guide life projects; meanwhile, Juan Andrés Pérez, 17 years old, combines his training with the family business and dreams of becoming a sommelier. Success stories like Unai Blanco, who participated in the first cohort in 2020 and, after internships in several restaurants, currently works at Dos Palillos, a Michelin-starred restaurant, demonstrate the long-term impact of guidance and training.

A collaboration that transforms lives

The Barcelona event not only celebrated the results achieved but also the strength of the partnerships that make initiatives like this possible. The public-private collaboration among educational centers, administrations, companies, Fundación Mahou San Miguel, and social organizations like Fundación Exit shows that training combined with guidance transforms enthusiasm and talent into real employment opportunities.

Fundación Exit continues its commitment to the young people supported in projects like Create Opportunities, convinced that each student who receives support and guidance is one step closer to a society with more opportunities and professional futures for all.

Thanks to all the people, organizations, and professionals who make Create Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism possible. And above all, thanks to the true protagonists: the young people, who with effort, enthusiasm, and dedication are building the future of a sector that continues to need more stories like theirs.

May opportunities and talent continue to meet for many years to come!