LDLC Arena: a video look back at the 65,000 hours of work experience completed on the construction site

Two years ago, construction work began on the LDLC Arena in the east of the Lyon metropolitan area; this provides an opportunity to look back at the key focus on employment during the construction phase, two months after the opening of this new multi-purpose venue. More than 65,000 hours of work placement were provided, exceeding the target set

The LDLC Arena was officially opened on 23 November in Décines, within the OL Vallée complex. With matches, concerts and shows, the first events held there marked the culmination of this project, following 22 months of construction that saw the completion of this 16,000-seat events venue.

From the design stage onwards, particular attention was paid to ensuring that the construction site could address current environmental and social challenges, particularly in relation to employment. Under the leadership of OL Groupe, a scheme to promote employment integration has been set up in collaboration with the Maison Métropolitaine d’insertion pour l’emploi (MMI’e) and the VINCI Group through VINCI Insertion Emploi.

A project promoting integration

As part of this project, all those involved have worked together to promote the integration and return to work of people who are currently out of work. Teams from CITINEA and CAMPENON BERNARD CENTRE EST, subsidiaries of VINCI Construction, worked closely with local businesses throughout the project, which helped to create jobs in the local area. The support provided by VIE and the MMI’e facilitated the establishment of pathways within the organisations working on the site and helped to connect them with organisations in the social and solidarity economy (SSE) as well as with people seeking employment.

More than 150 men and women took part in the project – either on site or in support roles at the offices – contributing over 65,000 hours of work experience, 20,000 hours more than the target originally set

By drawing in particular on local businesses, the aim was twofold: to provide local jobs, but also to train and support people facing difficulties in entering the labour market to find employment. Skills development is essential to building a career plan that facilitates a return to sustainable employment.

Through the social and solidarity economy (ESS) organisations and the MMI’e, a pool of candidates with a variety of profiles and experience was selected, notably through differentiated recruitment methods such as CV-free recruitment. In addition, local businesses and partners were made aware of the initiative and provided with support. Initiatives to promote these opportunities were also organised, including site visits and group information sessions.

This scheme has helped to create long-term employment. Nineteen permanent contracts and fixed-term contracts of more than six months were signed following a training period. Whilst these are mainly for frontline roles, others are for administrative posts.

A project to boost employment in the region

At the height of the structural work, around a hundred people were working on site. The various trades arrived in Décines a few months after work began. This group of specialist trades from the construction sector numbered up to 200 people.

The venue has led to the creation of more than 50 permanent full-time equivalent posts. Event-related employment accounts for 500 dedicated jobs (250 full-time equivalents), bringing the total number of full-time equivalents across the entire OL Vallée site to more than 2,500.

Are you also looking for a job?
Recruitment drives organised in conjunction with the Maison Métropolitaine d’Insertion pour l’emploi will be taking place shortly for vacancies on other building sites. All vacancies can be found here.

Photo credit: Lionel Rault