Explained: The role of Mission Locales in France
How this organisation helps young French people achieve professional and social integration
Work experience placements can be arranged to help young people find jobs
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According to the latest figures from French statistics agency Insee, 11.6% of young people in France are classed as NEET, meaning that they are neither in employment nor in education or training.
It is one of the main reasons that France has a network of 437 Missions Locales and 13,600 staff supporting 1.1 million youngsters every year.
A Mission Locale provides a local public service to help anyone aged 16 to 25 towards professional and social integration.
While they are partnered with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi), a lot of their work focuses on overcoming the particular difficulties that young people face.
Supported by schemes set up by the state and local authorities, they have frameworks and budgets that can make a huge difference to a youngster who is not sure where to start or how to change their situation.
Work experience and vocational training
“Must have experience” regularly appears on recruitment ads, emphasising the importance of getting practical experience in the workplace.
Your Mission Locale can liaise with companies to set up a formal work experience placement, including the necessary paperwork.
The assigned adviser can also assess which types of career would best suit the young person, as well as identifying the relevant training courses. This can include academic qualifications or professional certificates such as health and safety.
Read more: Missions Locales: Unemployed youngsters in France thrown a lifeline
Contrat d’Engagement Jeune (CEJ)
Contrat d’Engagement Jeune (CEJ) is a key service offered by Missions Locales, allowing you g people to earn up to €528 per month in return for committing 15 to 20 hours a week to job-seeking, training and recognised sports or cultural activities. It is a great first step to independence.
Job applications and social interaction
When the young person is ready to apply for a job, an adviser can help them look for vacancies, prepare their CV, and coach them on interview techniques.
This can be especially beneficial if you they been suffering from social isolation, which makes it much harder to interact professionally and acquire the social skills needed to get and keep a job.
Most Missions Locales hold weekly meetings for youngsters to socialise, and will often invite someone to talk about a particular topic, such as improving your CV or explaining your rights.
Read more: Nine ways a French job centre can help jobseekers - and employers
Mobility and housing
Some might need help getting to and from meetings, work-experience placements and job interviews.
The Mission Locale can outline what financial aid is available, including chèques mobilité and even grants to help get a driving licence for those on a low income.
A Mission Locale adviser can also explain if there are grants available for accommodation, and can support young people through the application process.
Want to know more?
Visit the Mission Locale official page to find your nearest one using your postcode. An initial appointment can be booked.
