The “From the Stadium to Employment” program, deployed by France Travail, is gaining momentum in Occitania. These events, which combine sports and job dating, allow 60% of participants to find a job within six months.
Imagine the rugby stadium field, the judo club dojo, or an athletics track filled with recruiters and job seekers. This is exactly the principle of the “From the Stadium to Employment” program, deployed in France for the past six years.
Born from a partnership between France Travail and the athletics federation in Hauts-de-France, the program has expanded across the country. In Occitania, the initiative is flourishing with 55 operations last year, expected to reach between 80 and 85 this year. This growth is logical for a program that generates a high return to employment, especially for populations with above-average unemployment rates like youth, seniors, RSA beneficiaries, workers with disabilities, and individuals from priority neighborhoods.
The core principle of “From the Stadium to Employment” is to bring together recruiters and candidates around accessible sports activities. The day starts with participants unaware of each other’s categories, fostering anonymity and the expression of capabilities through sport. Observing behaviors on the field reveals teamwork, full commitment, and clear communication skills.
According to Stéphane Protch, the program meets companies’ need to recruit individuals with the right mindset, even without experience. After six months, 60% of job seekers who participated in this program are back in the job market.
These initiatives are carried out in partnership with local sports clubs, often led by rugby clubs in Occitania supported by the professional league. They are followed by athletics clubs, as well as badminton, handball, football, taekwondo, and judo clubs.
