Forum “What are you doing this summer?” at Parc Phoenix: a meeting place for summer jobs, BAFA and mobility

The “What are you doing this summer?” forum set up last Wednesday at Parc Phoenix. Businesses, organizations and support structures came to meet people looking for opportunities.

Finding a summer job, preparing your BAFA or considering a trip abroad. This Wednesday, the “What are you doing this summer?” forum brought together young people and recruiters at Parc Phoenix. Organized by AGIS06 Cap Jeunesse, the event offered seasonal employment opportunities as well as information on international mobility.

Throughout the day, from 10 am to 5 pm, students, high school students and young professionals were able to meet numerous employers and organizations that came to present their opportunities for the summer period. The objective: to facilitate access to seasonal employment while supporting young people in their projects for the coming months. An opportunity, also, to ask questions, submit CVs and discover sometimes lesser-known leads.

Employment opportunities for the summer season

Among the most present fields were notably hospitality and catering, retail, entertainment and personal services, sectors that are particularly active during the tourist season on the Côte d’Azur. Participants could apply on site, exchange with companies and sometimes even have a first interview.

For many young people, these seasonal jobs represent their first immersion in the world of work. Lucas, 17, a final year student in Nice, came to inquire about hiring opportunities. “I’m mainly looking for a job in July or August, maybe in catering or entertainment. I need to put some money aside before I start my studies,” he explains. Emma, 20, a first-year undergraduate student, also sees these opportunities as a way to finance her projects. “I’d like to find work for the summer, but I’m also looking at what’s available to go abroad. It’s good to be able to discuss directly with recruiters,” she says.

Learning about BAFA and international mobility

Beyond job offers, the forum also provided information on training and opportunities abroad. Several organizations were present to present procedures for going outside France, whether as part of a language program, volunteering or an exchange program.

This is the case with the AFJ Au Pair agency, which supports young people wishing to have an experience abroad. “The principle is total immersion,” explains Charlotte Cappa, head of the agency. “Young people go to live with a host family and participate in childcare. The rest of the time, they discover the country and local culture.” According to her, the profiles met at the forum show a real desire to plan ahead. “We see curious and motivated young people, who come to find out about a gap year or to improve their English. They’re thinking about their future and looking for experiences that could help them later.”

Another popular booth: that of the FSGT Sud PACA League, which offers BAFA training to become an entertainer. “Since the Covid period, we’ve had fewer BAFA registrations, while facilities still need qualified entertainers,” emphasizes Nathalie Watrin, head of FSGT 06. But for her, the young people present at the forum show a real interest. “Many come first for seasonal work, but they’re motivated and curious. When we explain the job and the training to them, some are already envisioning themselves in entertainment.” Beyond the professional aspect, Nathalie Watrin emphasizes the human dimension of the job. “It may not be the best paid work, but we do it with a smile. We share beautiful moments with the children and with the teams.”