The idea behind DUO for a JOB is twofold. It aims to achieve professional integration for young immigrants, particularly refugees, aged 18 to 33, while also valuing the skills and expertise of individuals aged 50 and over, who also face discrimination in the job market.
Additionally, there is a third objective focused on social cohesion. “That is to say, through the encounter, through the bond that forms between the mentor and the young person being supported, we also work on representations, the cognitive biases we may have, the prejudices between young people and older individuals, between people from different cultures,” explains Prunelle Gorget. “So this connection created is really important, as it contributes to the fight against discrimination.”
After a solid training, mentors will be able to support young people intensively, for 2 hours a week over 6 months. They will also benefit from ongoing training to effectively coach them in writing their CVs, cover letters, preparing for job interviews, structuring their job search, and improving their presence on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Mentors will also gain knowledge about sectors that are hiring.
A mentor can only support one young person at a time. “So we are really focused on a very close and high-quality support,” specifies Prunelle Gorget.
DUO for a JOB has already supported over 2,000 young people in France since its establishment 5 years ago, aiming to assist more than 850 in 2026 alone. In Europe, more than 10,000 young people have been reached, as the organization originated in Belgium, where it operates throughout the country, as well as in the Netherlands. In France, it is present in Lille, Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, and receives support from over 700 mentors to carry out its mission.
Ultimately, over 70% of young people find employment or a qualifying training program within 12 months following their support. More than 70% of them are better able to define their professional project, which becomes more concrete and realistic thanks to their mentor's intervention. 90% of young people feel more confident and more autonomous in their job search, and 80% expand their professional or social network.
On the mentors' side, 96% feel more useful as active members of society, and over 84% report having improved or developed their skills in coaching, active listening, and empathetic relationships. Finally, more than 60% believe that the experience has added value to their professional life through the skills they have developed.
“We truly believe in bringing together populations that would not have met otherwise. The richness of the encounter will really help combat a number of discriminations related to age or different cultures. They will create a bond that will also help evolve the perceptions they may have of one another. For us, this is a cornerstone of social cohesion and a condition for the success of our democracy. So it has a long-term impact that we believe is much stronger,” concludes Prunelle Gorget.
