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At first glance, when reading the title, the project may seem like yet another attempt to establish in a somewhat pompous manner a diagnosis of the economic situation of Saint-Barthélemy and the prospects available to the island and its inhabitants in terms of employment. But in the present case, there is no question of proceeding casually. On the contrary, it is with conviction and seriousness that the Cem (Multi-professional Economic Chamber) has embarked on a large-scale enterprise. Despite the skepticisms expressed here and there.
A long work
Thus, by calling on the consulting firm Terre Avance, the president of the Cem, Thomas Gréaux, and its director, Thierry Gréaux, intended to obtain a detailed map of the employment situation in Saint-Barth, based on precise statistics after having conducted interviews with local companies. A long work whose first results were presented on Friday, November 8.
The GPECT, or forward planning of territorial jobs and skills, aims to anticipate the structural changes that the island's economic sector can and will face. This is to help direct orientation, training, integration and employment policies towards professions and skills that are in line with the current and future needs of employers. Ambitious but not unachievable.
A detailed review
To present the results of the study, the representative of Terre d'Avance relies on a 36-page "summary" document. He presents the findings and challenges of the GPECT before addressing the action plan, which is broken down into ten detailed challenges. He then continues with the schedule, which is the most dense, of the actions to be carried out. "The GPECT is a long process," explains the advisor. "Consequently, it is only just beginning." In fact, at Each issue addressed triggers a conversation between the participants in the presentation meeting. Suggestions are made to deepen the actions or simply improve them, others are discarded. The usefulness and coherence of certain points included in the program are sometimes raised. In any case, it is in the detail that the GPECT will find its salvation.
Many subjects were studied in the survey so that it is as complete as possible. New entrants to the job market, density workforce, situation and commitment of companies, expanding diversity of professions present on the island, the training offer available and the companies and organizations that request it, shortages, concerns, etc. A data, for example: between 2021 and 2023, the number of salaried positions increased by 60% in Saint-Barthélemy.
An action plan until mid-2026
Among the many actions that the GPECT suggests to carry out, that of offering more accessible training opportunities on the island is mentioned. As is the development of welcoming students into companies, whether they are in work-study training or in higher education. The creation of an observatory of young graduates is part of the proposals, as is that of a web page dedicated to the professions sought after in the territory.
The proposals are numerous and all accompanied by an implementation plan. Such as creating a quality of life at work label for all employees, both public and private, promoting female employment, creating a directory of training courses provided in the Antilles-Guyana region, but also working to increase the salaries of state civil servants. A proposal that is the subject of a debate on the issue of the cost of living and housing.
The plan action plan presented during the presentation proposes an intense schedule, in terms of implementation, throughout 2025 and until the end of the first half of 2026. Without really leaving room for the unexpected. Which does not seem to worry the Cem, which intends to carry out its project. For the good of the island and its inhabitants.
Implementation of a VAE by the Cem
The Professional Economic Chamber continues to develop professional training offers. The latest is the implementation of a VAE, or validation of acquired experience. A system that allows anyone, regardless of their age, level of education or status, to have the skills acquired during their professional or personal experiences officially recognized. This process can lead to obtaining a certification (diploma, title or qualification certificate) without going through a traditional training course. To benefit from it and, above all, obtain more information on the steps to take: follow, just contact the Cem services (by phone at 0590271255 or by email at formation@camstbarth.com). A VAE in Saint-Barthélemy costs between 3,500 and 4,000 euros. It can be financed in different ways but the simplest is to use your personal training account (CPF).
The VAE allows you to obtain certifications ranging from a CAP to an engineering diploma.
