The Rhône-Alpes Forum innovates for its 23rd edition
• Encourage Moroccan graduates to return home. • Several large companies have confirmed their participation
The Rhône-Alpes Forum, and more specifically the Maghreb Crossroads, has decided to go the extra mile for its 23rd edition. On March 12 and 13, 200 companies are expected at the event, which will take place in Lyon. In addition to the "usual suspects" such as the CDG group, Royal Air Maroc, OCP, Crédit Agricole du Maroc, and Lafarge Maroc, this new edition will count on the support of 4 new companies. The Chaabi group (Ynna holding), Holcim, Bymaro, and Auto Hall will now be part of the many companies that wish to find the ideal profile through the trade show. At the time of going to press, 160 companies had already confirmed their participation. A significant increase compared to previous editions. Another novelty, the Forum wishes to strengthen the presence of large industrial firms to facilitate the recruitment of engineers. Of course, students looking for commercial companies will not be left out, as they will benefit from a wide range of choices. According to the head of the Maghreb Crossroads, Yasmina Mellouk, the 23rd edition is above all "focused on Moroccan economic development and on the various projects that the Kingdom offers, such as TangerMed, in order to encourage young Moroccan engineers and commercial professionals to return home".
Regarding the organization, internal teams have been created within the 3 teams already formed by the Forum (the Maghreb, European, and French Crossroads) in order to better manage communication between students (or executives) and companies. But also to better guide young graduates attending this meeting in their choices. Moreover, it is even planned to fully support Moroccans residing in other cities in France who wish to participate in the forum. According to the head of the exhibition, 300 people have already applied for this assistance. "Normally, we establish criteria to select the students to whom we will offer assistance because the demand is high. We don't judge them on their diplomas, however, as that is the role of the companies. It is above all a matter of managing the available places." Always with a view to guidance, the show will develop the workshop concept, a one-day workshop bringing together a company and students who perfectly match the selection criteria established by the companies. Thanks to this tool, the employer can get a concrete idea of the profile they are thinking of recruiting within 24 hours. Group and individual interviews will target candidates who have already been pre-selected by recruiters. This case study is becoming increasingly widespread in the world of work.
This year will also be the year of transparency. Indeed, many companies will openly display the salary grid offered according to the position sought, or promise to be more transparent on this subject. This is the case for companies participating in the European and French crossroads and the Forum that have already adopted this method.
Previous editions
The 22nd edition of the Forum has a rather positive assessment. 97% of companies declared themselves satisfied and renewed their desire to participate in the 23rd edition. More than 150 exhibitors-partners and nearly 10,000 visitors came to the show, including students at the end of their studies (75% of visitors) and young graduates (16%). This show also had 7 major sectors: energy environment, electricity, automotive and transport, construction, IT and telecommunications, consulting engineering, agri-food and mass distribution, banks and institutions.
Published January 14, 2008
L’économiste du 7 janvier 2008
