About us
The non-profit organisation Études et Chantiers has been developing social and professional inclusion initiatives, vocational training programmes, and European projects in France and abroad since 1962. Our beneficiaries include unemployed people—often facing social and professional challenges—as well as young people. Our actions are based on collective work projects that promote sharing, lifelong learning, and sustainable development.
The association is officially accredited as:
Accreditations
- Popular Education Organisation by the Ministry of Youth and Sports since 1979
- Environment and Sustainable Development Organisation by the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development since 1993
- Vocational Training Organisation by the Regional Departments of Labour in Brittany and Pays de la Loire since 1995
- European Voluntary Service (EVS) / Erasmus+ Organisation, authorised to send, host and coordinate European projects
- Civic Service Organisation, hosting young French volunteers committed to community projects
Our Actions
- Inclusion Work Camps: 27 permanent work camps across Brittany and Pays de la Loire, enabling the recruitment of 488 people each year, supervised by 115 permanent staff members.
- Vocational Training Programmes:
- European Volunteer Teams: Organisation of three teams of 12 European volunteers each summer for two months, living and working together while discovering France and raising young people’s awareness of citizenship and intercultural exchange.
- Research and Development in natural building materials, renewable energy, natural area management, and youth engagement.
- Local Development Initiatives, encouraging community involvement, strengthening local capacities, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Our Strengths
The strengths of Études et Chantiers lie in:
- A unique educational tool: work camps, applied across multiple fields (environment, built heritage, culture, social inclusion, etc.)
- Extensive experience in welcoming diverse audiences, from European volunteers to inclusion workers
- Strong technical expertise applied to both local and international projects
- Strong technical expertise applied to both local and international projects
Governance and Team
Études et Chantiers brings together 12 Board members and employs 115 permanent staff. Each year, we support 488 inclusion workers and 28 French and European volunteers, offering them opportunities for learning, professional development, and social engagement.