AFEV has often been alerted to the difficulties companies have in recruiting young apprentices, despite the existence of a significant number of young applicants. Indeed, the latter have important gaps in terms of interpersonal skills. It is also frequent that these young people accumulate difficulties: no diploma, no job, health problems (diagnosed or not), complex family situations, legal problems, poverty, etc.

To respond to the two-sided issue encountered by young people and companies, AFEV offers an innovative program. “Solidary Apprentices” helps young people discover the professional environment through Civic Service volunteering. Thanks to the commitment to social utility missions that it offers, AFEV encourages young people to be useful to society, all the while developing skills that will strengthen their ability to obtain a work-study contract.

This apprenticeship preparation adapts to the local context and aims to supplement the already existing measures, in order to work hand in hand with the local institutions. Its objective is to have the most appropriate response to the needs of young people, in the same dynamic as the French government initiative "1 young person, 1 solution".

Following a successful pilot phase of Solidary Apprentices, AFEV is preparing a new promotion of 10 young people for its branch in Metz. This promotion is sponsored by the Richemont and Hauconcourt sites of the Air Liquide Group.

These young people will engage in a six-month Civic Service volunteering from January 2022. On the program:

• Solidary missions that allow the development of “soft skills”, such as punctuality, teamwork, respect for instructions, etc.;
• Refresher courses in French and Mathematics, so that they regain a sufficient level to follow the courses offered in the Apprentice Training Center;
• A discovery of the corporate environment: site visits, meetings with professionals, presentations of the specificities of various professions, periods of immersion in a professional environment, etc.;
• Cultural workshops aiming to develop additional skills: theater, radio, ecological awareness, etc.;
• Individual and collective support by promotion provided by an AFEV employee dedicated to the project during their six months of assignment.

At the end of these 6 months of preparation, the students will register at the Apprentice Training Center and sign a work-study contract with a local company.

In each territory, AFEV establishes partnerships with professional organisations and the public employment service, in order to identify the professions and skills in short supply.