Programme Origin
The “Professional Mobility in the Plastics Industry by Reskilling and Upskilling Trainings for Tunisian Talents” (ProMob PlastSkills) project is a 38-month initiative running from April 2024 to May 2027. It aims to develop a sustainable partnership for skills enhancement and labour mobility in the plastics sector between France and Tunisia. The project operates through a public-private partnership model and is designed to train approximately 800 Tunisian technicians, delivering French-standard professional skills certifications (CQP).
The programme uses a circular migration approach to meet the labour demands of both countries, while also aiming to increase the competitiveness of businesses in both Tunisia and Europe. An early version of this training and placement model was already implemented at the beginning of 2023, enabling around thirty job seekers to find positions in France.
Funders and Participating Organisations
The project is funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), an initiative implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The total budget is EUR 3,110,186.04, with 70 percent of the funding coming from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
The project is implemented by Polyvia Formation through a partnership between France and Tunisia. It is carried out in continuous dialogue with plastics industries and local training institutions, ensuring alignment with sector needs and priorities. Key partners include the Tunisian National Agency for Employment and Self-Employment (ANETI), which is responsible for recruitment, and the Plastics Training Center (PTC) for training delivery.
Progress to Date
The project has moved from planning to implementation, with key training and operational frameworks in place.
- Comprehensive training programme: At the centre of the project is a thirty to forty-day certified training programme (CQP) delivered in Tunisia. These courses cover sought-after professions such as manufacturing equipment operator, manufacturing equipment fitter and adjuster, tool/facility maintenance and upkeep technician, composites specialist operator and sorting and recycling operator, across technologies like injection, extrusion and thermoforming. To ensure trainees are ready for the workplace, the curriculum also includes modules on French language, work instructions and basic mathematics, with a final assessment to verify compliance with French standards.
- Dual-track mobility: The programme is designed for half of the trained individuals to join the plastics industry in Tunisia, while the other half are destined for employment in France and Europe.
- Operational support: The Polyvia Formation has established a comprehensive support system for employers, including administrative support for visa applications and coordination with authorities, as well as recruitment assistance like pre-selecting candidates with technical tests.
Major Takeaways and Lessons Learned
The project is in the early stages.
What’s Next
The project has a strong focus on long-term sustainability and replication. The key next steps are centred on executing its operational framework and achieving its training targets. This includes:
- Sustainability agreements: Collaboration agreements or memoranda of understanding (MoUs) will be developed between the training centres and industrial partners in France and Tunisia to ensure the project’s longevity.
- Business model testing: The project will test a cost-sharing business model, starting with an increasing financial contribution from the French industry, with the potential for Tunisian companies to contribute as well.
- Knowledge sharing and replication: The project will serve to identify best practices for designing co-tutoring programmes. These experiences will be shared with key stakeholders in Europe to encourage the creation of similar talent and mobility partnerships.
Resources and Further Reading
MPF Projects Info Note on ProMob PlastSkills
Plastic Training Center’s Post
News: Polyvia Formation supports you in the recruitment and training of Tunisian personnel