Andorra Launches Inaugural Connecta Education and Career Fair

The Centre de Congressos in Andorra la Vella will host the inaugural Connecta education and career guidance fair on 26-27 February 2026, uniting 87 stands from Andorran, Spanish and French institutions for 1,900 confirmed students from fourth-year secondary, baccalaureate and vocational training programmes.

Organised by the Ministry of Institutional Relations, Education and Universities alongside the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the event aligns with goals in the National Youth Plan and National Child and Adolescent Plan to enhance educational and career orientation. It will welcome students in 90-minute slots and remain open to young people outside formal education, job seekers and families.

Education Minister Ladislau Baró described Connecta as more than a study selection event, framing it as support for personal growth and social integration. He highlighted coordination across Andorra's varied public and private systems, each with distinct approaches. "This project does not emerge from nothing—it seeks to build on existing efforts, collaborate and keep options open," Baró said, positioning it as complementary to the French embassy's longstanding fair. The initiative aims to bridge current and future training with young people's goals and labour market demands.

Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell emphasised the chance to consolidate all post-compulsory options in one venue, promoting vocational paths, job connections and thoughtful decisions. "For the first time, Andorran students can access the full range of training in a single space," she noted, praising the strong response from participating institutions.

The layout features themed areas: Sala Consòrcia for local baccalaureate centres and universities such as Toulouse and Blanquerna; Sala Polivalent for vocational training and professional colleges; Sales Aqua and Ària for youth resources; and Sala Ignis for talks. Highlights include sessions from Andorra's Employment Service on labour market trends, presentations by the Catalan Interuniversity Council, life and career guidance from psychologist Joan Soler Sucarrats, and a public evening talk on 26 February by communications expert Jordi Segués on professional success strategies.

State Secretary for Youth and Sports Alain Cabanes joined the launch presentation. Both ministers see Connecta as an annual fixture, set to adapt based on feedback and foster ongoing guidance beyond one-off events. While one outlet projected around 2,000 attendees including unconfirmed figures, officials have verified 1,900 students.