The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MTPS) has successfully placed between 7,000 and 9,000 Salvadorans in jobs through its Oportunidades (Opportunities) Program. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on providing employment opportunities for young people aged 18 to 21 without previous work experience, as well as for unemployed individuals over the age of 40.
The program provides a three-month subsidy to employers willing to create new job positions for these target groups. After this period, companies can decide whether to hire the individuals permanently. According to MTPS Minister Rolando Castro, most participants are eventually hired full-time.
“We found that the labor market in El Salvador had some challenges in terms of age groups,” Castro explained. “Young people aged 18 or 19 were being asked for 3 to 4 years of experience, even though they had just received their DUI. We’ve convinced companies that the best way to train young people is directly in the workplace. We also noticed that people over 40, despite their vast experience, were not being given opportunities.”
Minister Castro also highlighted a similar employment program in partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in vulnerable areas of El Salvador. In this case, UNHCR funds the initial placement months, with 70% of participants securing permanent positions.
“We’ve built various projects that promote employability, especially for single mothers, people with disabilities, 18-year-olds, and those over 40. These initiatives have been highly successful,” he added.
Castro also spoke about the Labor Migration Program, which offers temporary formal jobs abroad through agreements between labor ministries. To date, over 10,000 Salvadorans have benefited from jobs in Canada and the United States.
The MTPS is now exploring new markets, with plans to send a pilot group of workers to Costa Rica soon. The ministry is also working on agreements to place Salvadorans in Spain and Italy.
“We are sending a contingent to Costa Rica as a trial run. We are also making significant progress with Spain and other parts of Europe through the Labor Migration Program. Our efforts with Spain are well underway, and we are beginning discussions with Italy to create more opportunities,” Castro shared.
Lastly, the minister announced the launch of the Gira por el Empleo (Employment Tour), which will bring job opportunities from various sectors to all corners of El Salvador.
“Gira por el Empleo allows us to reach every part of El Salvador. Tomorrow, we’re heading to San Miguel, where people from Usulután, Morazán, and eastern municipalities will gather. This is different from job fairs because, in our program, people come to sign contracts, not just submit applications. In 15 days, we will take the tour to the western region, then to the central zone, and finally to San Salvador. We’ll cover the entire country,” he concluded.