In the bustling heart of Madrid, where the promise of opportunity often collides with the harsh realities of unemployment, a groundbreaking initiative is quietly changing lives. It’s a program that doesn’t just offer training; it crafts destinies, aligning adult education with the precise needs of the job market. The numbers speak for themselves: over 55% of its participants secure direct employment, a beacon of hope in a city that prides itself on being a hub of possibilities.
From Industrial Chemistry to Culinary Arts: Susana’s Journey
Susana Yamilka Ramos Linares, a 38-year-old industrial chemist from Cuba, found her true calling not in a laboratory, but in the vibrant kitchens of Madrid. Her journey to becoming a valued cook at the Goya senior citizens’ residence is a testament to the program’s transformative power. Despite her academic background, Susana faced the common immigrant’s struggle to find stable work that matched her qualifications. “I found out about it online,” she recalls, referring to the Hospitality and Food School of the Madrid City Council’s Employment Agency. “I called them, and they told me to come in.”
Susana enrolled in two courses: a five-month cooking program and a four-month assistant cook course. Her days were a whirlwind of learning and working, attending classes from 9 AM and then heading to a job washing dishes at Bingo Canoe. “I was there at the exact right moment and with the best teachers,” she says, her voice brimming with gratitude. “I already knew how to cook, but only Cuban dishes, like a normal cook. Here, I learned to chop meat, make bread dough, prepare Spanish food… and now I’m ready to cook anywhere.” Her dedication paid off; after a successful internship with Serunion, she was offered a permanent position. Susana’s story is not just about a career change; it’s about sacrifice and ambition, as she dedicates a significant portion of her income to support her family in Cuba and her son’s education.
Lorena’s Leap: From Venezuelan Accountant to Construction Official
Lorena Karolina Flores, a 45-year-old licensed accountant from Venezuela, arrived in Spain in 2024 with her 12-year-old daughter, seeking asylum and a new beginning. Her accounting degree, rooted in Venezuelan law, proved to be a barrier to employment in her new country. “There was no way to work here,” Lorena explains. Undeterred, she embarked on a new path, enrolling in a logistics program at the Labor Foundation of Construction. This led her to the City Council’s Green Employment School, where she undertook a six-month course in “Construction of Superstructures of Reinforced Concrete Roads,” specifically designed with the company Comsa.
Lorena’s rapid ascent from basic laborer to official in just three months is remarkable. “I’ve been with them for three months. From the very beginning, I had an indefinite contract,” she proudly states. Her work on the San Sebastián Metro construction site involves changing sleepers and assembling railway tracks. Despite the demanding schedule and living away from her daughter during the week, Lorena finds immense satisfaction in her work and the stability it provides. “There is a lot of synergy between the City Council’s school and Comsa. The course content was designed by both to meet the needs of the position,” she highlights. Lorena’s experience underscores the program’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between training and real-world job vacancies, offering a secure future for those willing to adapt and learn.
Yeinny’s Reinvention: From Market Research to Gastronomy
Yeinny Cheryl Zapata Garzón, a project manager from Bogotá, Colombia, with over a decade of experience in market research, decided to embark on a new chapter in Madrid two years ago. “In Colombia, I did everything I wanted to do, and I wanted to start the second part of my life in Spain,” she shares. Despite her professional background, Yeinny found herself drawn to the culinary world, a passion she had nurtured even in Colombia. Initially working as a commercial agent for Endesa, a chance encounter at a job fair led her to the hospitality school.
Yeinny’s transition to an assistant cook at a restaurant within the prestigious Paraguas group was facilitated by the program. She emphasizes the “human touch” she experienced during her internships. “I am very grateful because I was going through a period of change – I didn’t know whether to continue in sales or switch to gastronomy – and the school helped me in the decision-making process,” she reflects. Her story is a powerful message of embracing change and seizing opportunities. “I want to tell people who don’t know what to do with their lives that opportunities exist and that you have to take charge and dare to change,” she asserts, finding a profound sense of purpose in her chef’s uniform.
Felicita’s Dream: From Catering in Lima to Pastry Chef in Madrid
Felicita Michell Delgado Celaya, 53, from Lima, Peru, was recognized as the top student in the Basic Cooking Operations course held between July and October 2025. Her journey to Madrid three years ago, following her adult children, was marked by challenges, including finding suitable housing and her daughter’s struggles with integration in school. Caritas recommended the cooking course, which provided her with 270 hours of theoretical and practical training. “They have always supported me and been there for me,” she says gratefully.
With prior catering experience in Lima, Felicita quickly excelled in the program. After a three-month internship at Nuestra Señora del Rosario hospital with Serunion, she secured a position as a substitute cook. Her ambition doesn’t stop there; she’s currently enrolled in a specialized pastry course and dreams of opening her own catering or pastry business, specializing in custom-themed cakes. “I recommend these courses to anyone who has been living in Madrid for a while, because they are an opportunity to give your best,” she advises. Despite the initial hardships, Felicita remains optimistic about her future in Spain, driven by her own aspirations and her unwavering support for her daughter’s dream of becoming a cardiologist. Her story highlights the resilience and determination of individuals seeking a better life and the vital role such programs play in their success.
These four women, with their diverse backgrounds and inspiring transformations, are just a few examples of the more than 1,086 adult students who have benefited from Madrid’s pioneering employment program since its inception last year. By meticulously tailoring training to market demands, the City Council’s Employment Agency is not just filling job vacancies; it’s empowering individuals to rewrite their life stories and build a brighter future in the “city of opportunities.”
Source: https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2026/03/11/69b16462e9cf4a5f4d8b458a.html
