Orihuela puts artificial intelligence at the heart of its fourth jobs and training fair

Artificial intelligence and its effects on training, employment and businesses took centre stage at Orihuela’s fourth Jobs and Training Fair, held on Wednesday 21 October at the La Lonja Auditorium.

The event brought together businesses, public bodies and education centres, including the University of Alicante and Miguel Hernández University, which presented study options and career opportunities to young people.

Three perspectives on technological change

Social psychologist Dolors Reig addressed digital transformation and education, while economist Andrés Pedreño examined how young people can prepare for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

Telecommunications engineer Tony Gimeno led an interactive session on artificial intelligence, social media and the digital presence that employers look for when considering applicants for a job.

Alongside the three talks, visitors could approach company stands and hand in their CVs, combining the training programme with direct contact with potential employers at the fair.

The event was organised by the Education and Employment departments and the Local Employment and Development Agency, with support from Alicante Provincial Council.

Vocational training and paid placements

Employment councillor Víctor Valverde highlighted the range of vocational training options represented, including intermediate and advanced courses available in Orihuela and the surrounding area.

Valverde also said the council allocates €70,000 a year to fund paid work placements for vocational training students within the municipality.

Mayor Pepe Vegara presented the fair as a way to help young people find motivation and identify training pathways that could lead them towards a professional career.

Vegara highlighted CIPFP El Palmeral and the educational excellence recognition it has received from Spain’s Ministry of Education, a distinction also welcomed by education councillor Vicente Pina.

Susana Miralles, director of Orihuela’s CEFIRE teacher training centre, stressed that the event also gave teachers an opportunity to consider their professional development, as well as bringing together students, businesses and training providers.

José Francisco Parra, dean of Miguel Hernández University’s Faculty of Social and Legal Sciences in Orihuela, welcomed the programme’s focus on how artificial intelligence and new technologies are changing education and employment.