We are FCC - Nº4

developing values. We help them to get a job and, if necessary, we help them to keep their jobs. Why is the collaboration with ex- ternal companies, such as FCC, important for the foundation? We need the collaboration of compa- nies so that we can incorporate in the training that we provide the tasks and competencies that companies require when hiring personnel. And, of cour- se, so that they hire people that we train, offering them the possibility of developing as workers and on a per- sonal level. We understand that trai- ning and employment are essential for social integration and to prevent situations of vulnerability and poverty. In fact, collaboration with FCC makes it possible for the young people who we have trained and who continue with their training to get their first job and to put in the market people who have been unemployed for a long time or at risk of being vulnerable. What role do companies play in the social and labour integration of people who are socially disad- vantaged? Companies are key elements for achieving the Objectives of Sustaina- ble Development and, their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that benefit life-long training and access to the job market is a shared respon- sibility. Companies produce goods and services, they provide innovation and promote changes in the physical and social environment in which they operate. By having an impact on the environment, companies can help through positive discrimination, pro- viding a job opportunity to those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Ma- What is the objective of the as- sociation? The mission of Asociación Norte Jo- ven is to promote the personal deve- lopment and social-labour integration of people, especially young people, who are at a disadvantage by pro- viding training, access to jobs and creating awareness in the society of situations of disadvantage and social inequality. Who are the people for whom Aso- ciación Norte Joven works? Mainly for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who have lack the basic education degree “Graduado Escolar” and do not have the profes- sional qualifications to enable them to find a job. We also provide servi- ces to adults who need support to go back to the job market or to integrate in the community after immigrating. In all cases, these are people who lack economic resources and face various barriers when looking for a job. At our centre in Vallecas, we also have a program for minors to prevent that they quit school. What are the measures implemen- ted by Norte Joven to promote the social and labour integration of the disadvantaged? We work mainly on training and on mentoring based on a comprehensive approach. We train them and prepare them to get their degree and, at the professional level, for jobs such as kitchen helpers, waiters, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and sales staff. Other activities are included to make it easier for them to find a job: so- cial-labour skills, training in habits, “We promote the personal develop- ment and social-labour integration of people” I N T E R V I E W Kenia Navarro responsible for job integration at Norte Joven R E S P O N S A B I L I T Y R E S P O N S A B I L I T Y 38