In France, more than 75,000 young people leave the school system without a qualification each year. From an early age, some struggle to stay engaged with school, while many teenagers and young adults face difficulties in finding their place and building their future (Apprentis d’Auteuil).

In the city of Argenteuil, a collective project to restore young people’s confidence 

In Argenteuil (located in the Paris region), where 41% of the population is under 30, these challenges take on a particular significance (INSEE). For more than two years, IECD, in collaboration with its partners, in particular the City of Argenteuil, DYS CARE, and L’Outil en Main, has taken on the challenge of restoring young people’s confidence in their talents and skills, helping them move towards a chosen career path and sustainable social and professional integration.

This work led, on 23 March 2026, to the launch of a first support programme, designed for young people from the Mission Locale Argenteuil–Bezons, and organised in partnership with the TADAM association and three professional craftsmen.

Learning differently to unlock talents

Over five days, the young participants experienced an immersive programme combining hands-on activities in craft trades, self-exploration, and reflection on their professional future. As one participant shares: “I was surprised by how comfortable I felt, and by how many games and exchanges there were between us. I wasn’t expecting that.”

By experimenting, handling tools and materials, and engaging with professionals, young people learn differently, develop their attention, concentration, and perseverance, and become aware of their abilities in order to gain greater autonomy.

This approach is particularly appreciated by the young participants: “I liked it because it didn’t feel like school at all, and I learned a lot in a fun way.” It also helps build self-confidence — “I managed to speak in front of people even though I’m shy” — and sparks vocations, as highlighted in this testimony: “I enjoyed discovering the world of woodworking and hearing the craftsman’s anecdotes about his work.”

Following an initial pilot focused on craft trades, the programme is intended to continue in this direction while also expanding into other sectors, including construction, industry, food, and hospitality.

An inclusive programme focused on the future

This approach, based on building self-confidence and hands-on practice, helps to restore the value of training pathways and sectors that are sometimes little known but rich in meaning and opportunity. The project targets a wide audience: young people aged 9 to 25 who are struggling at school or seeking career guidance, early school leavers, as well as young people with learning differences (DYS) or attention deficit disorders with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). Families and educators are also fully involved, in order to strengthen the support provided around young people.

With the ambition of supporting nearly 250 young people in its first year, IECD aims to develop an innovative model at the crossroads of education, social support, and professional integration. A project rooted in its local area and designed to inspire far beyond it: restoring every young person’s ability to find their place by revealing their talents through action.