“As a local stakeholder, we seek to help local people in difficulty secure employment. We can provide them with training tailored to the careers we offer, laying a solid foundation for a long-term collaboration,” says Rémy Nizart, manager at Citeos Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Citeos Boulogne-sur-Mer engaged in several discussions with the Boulogne-sur-Mer conurbation authority and AMIE du Boulonnais – two long-established local stakeholders – before they began working on a common approach to providing people with training tailored to the careers the business unit offers.

The Boulogne-sur-Mer conurbation authority and AMIE du Boulonnais, with financial backing from local temporary employment integration agencies, decided to set up certificate courses tailored to the careers the business unit offers, giving participants the opportunity to obtain an electrical work permit, a cradle operator safety training certificate and a permit to work near utility networks and pipelines, and learn about paving, earthworks, electricity, etc.

Once they have completed a course, participants meet partner companies with recruitment opportunities. The programme is at the heart of Citeos Boulogne-sur-Mer’s internal policy, earning the business unit a CSR label from the French National Federation of Public Works.

In 2022, 2,900 hours of professional training were delivered. Since the programme was launched, permanent contracts have been signed by two participants, including M. Idir. B. Here is what he had to say about his experience:

“As part of the Boulogne-sur-Mer local integration and employment plan, AMIE suggested I complete a three-month training course to boost my skills. I’d worked in the construction industry before, but I hadn’t completed any training. Through this programme, I obtained a qualification in roads and utilities, an electrical work permit, a cradle operator safety training certificate and a permit to work near utility networks and pipelines. I also learnt how to lay curbstones, ducts and sheathing, draw in cables and operate machinery. I chose Citeos because I felt welcome and supported. What’s more, they offer training courses for people looking to upskill. If I had to describe the programme to someone, I’d tell them it’s all very interesting and you learn a lot, but that you need to be motivated and gutsy!”