Good spirits and friendliness at the Falicon space of the Tramway construction site. In the presence of Dominique Estrosi, 14 young people in difficulty were selected this Friday, July 21, for training before signing a permanent contract in 9 months. Their future job? Formworker. A motivating salary, a possibility for career advancement and the happiness of starting a new life.
“Mom’s going to be amazed! Me, in a photo with Mrs. Estrosi. I can hear her now ‘Oh wow, the kid has stopped messing around!’” Kamel is thrilled. He’s starting over. A formworker on the tramway construction site, slim build, bleached blond hair, holding a small diploma, he feels like he’s growing wings.
Fourteen of them feel like they are growing these wings. Wings that may take them towards a new life, as on a new path. A jackpot of 1300 euros per month for an apprenticeship contract, thanks to the CANCA supported by PLIE (Local Plan for Economic Insertion).
Aged between 18 and 39, “They are more motivated than ever.” There’s reason to be. Nobody wanted these young people. A tumultuous past, insufficient training and flexible motivation. Yet, here they are, these lads who are launching themselves. “I am doing this for my kid,” states Jérémy, a tall, lanky 24-year-old “it was the judge who directed me to this training.” He made mistakes. He admits it. But this new situation is a lifeboat. He will have a salary, a job, and a diploma at the end of it. To provide for his wife and child. “It’s true that it’s hard. It’s hot. But, we are a team. And we were very well received at EIFFAGE.”
“Thank you, good luck, and fair winds!” Dominique Estrosi is confident. No fewer than 120 people have been recruited through the ‘Major Project’ cell of the Local Plan for Insertion and Employment of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Community.
Founded in 2003, its mission is to facilitate the professional integration of job seekers in the construction and public works sector. The construction of the tramway, the expansion of the Pierre Mathis road, sanitation… All these major projects will continue to create jobs.
Men are accustomed to this. Women, more reluctant. “It has to be said, we are looking for crane operators for our sites,” insists Gaby Paceschi, the director of EIFFAGE, “women are more skilled at organization than boys.”
The construction and public works sector is full of job opportunities, yet young people find it difficult to get started. “It’s true that it’s tough, but it’s a job where there is no unemployment. It’s my father, a construction worker, who told me,” states Zaïdane, 26 years old, one of the new recruits, “I stopped my studies at CAP mechanic level. This training is a chance for me to earn a diploma.”
For some, the chance is the diploma only. For others, it’s both the diploma and the salary that are at stake. “They promised me 1200 euros for apprenticeship training. I’m 18 and I really want to enjoy life. I work from 7:30 AM to 4 PM with a 1-hour break.” Nice hours, motivating salary.
What remains is to prove the passion for the profession daily. The new recruits hope for career advancements soon, or even a change. One of the apprentices confides: “I can’t do this all my life. It’s too hard! I would rather turn to the profession of a plumber.”
