ETRE Schools opens practical green-career pathways for young people excluded from education, employment or training. Its hands-on model links social inclusion with the skills needed for renovation, energy and mobility jobs.
Location:
France
Start date:
01/10/2017
Lead organisation:
Réseau ETRE
Target groups:
Youth not in education, employment, or training
Energy transition focus:
Capacity building
Scale:
National-level
ETRE Schools addresses the exclusion of vulnerable young people from both the labour market and the ecological transition. It provides hands-on training programmes where participants learn practical skills through real projects and immersion with professionals. The initiative helps young people regain confidence, identify career paths, and access jobs in sectors such as energy, renovation, and mobility. What makes it innovative is its learning-by-doing approach combined with strong local partnerships. It connects social inclusion with concrete workforce needs for the green transition, turning untapped potential into skilled talent. The programme currently counts 33 schools across France and is expanding.
The initiative ensures that vulnerable youth are not left behind in the transition by giving them free access to training in green jobs that are often inaccessible. It removes barriers such as cost, mobility, and social challenges by covering transport and meals, and by providing tailored support. Young people actively shape the programme through feedback and governance roles, ensuring it reflects their realities. The initiative works closely with local actors, municipalities, social services and NGOs to reach those most excluded. By empowering youth as future workers in ecological sectors, it addresses both social inequality and the shortage of skilled labour needed for a fair transition.
It operates as a non-profit model combining public funding, philanthropic contributions, and partnerships with local authorities and employers. Trainings are fully free for participants, with costs such as staff, materials, and coordination covered by these funds. Additional revenue comes from service activities and membership fees, with a strategy to increase this share over time to strengthen financial sustainability. While the model remains partly grant-dependent, diversification efforts aim to ensure long-term stability while keeping access free for vulnerable groups.
Contact person:
Frédérick Mathis
E-mail:
frederick.mathis@ecole-transition.eu
Website:
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