Study visit on combating long-term unemployment held in Nantes
The event was a continuation of efforts initiated in March 2024 with a webinar that provided an overview of long-term unemployment and job guarantee programs. Jörg Markowitsch, thematic expert for the Community of Practice, emphasized the importance of such visits, stating, “You can write as many studies as possible, but if people can’t see it with their own eyes and talk to those involved on the ground, it remains an abstract idea.”
The event started in Pont-Château, with Mayor and President of the Local Committee for Employment Danielle Cornet showcasing local efforts. The French project “Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée” (TZCLD) presented its strategies and outcomes. Participants also toured Espacea’s innovative employment solutions. On the second day, participants engaged with long-term unemployed individuals and local officials from Nantes Métropole.
The study visit enriched practice exchanges and strengthened commitment to inclusive employment in Europe. “I think this event has significantly increased the motivation to participate in the current Social Innovation+ initiative and ESFA tender on zero long-term unemployment initiatives,” summarized Jörg Markowitsch. “Thanks to the 24 million euros that the European Commission is investing in further experiments over the next three years, we will have more, even competing, approaches to tackling long-term unemployment. As researchers, we have the task of proving what works best.”
Find out more about the event here.
image by Yannick CHAO
Contact: Jörg Markowitsch
Client: ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills
