“Before that, in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, I thought that there were no people who liked anime and played video games. But I realized that there were a lot of us. » Comfortably installed on the gaming chair, controller in hand and eyes scrutinized on the computer screen of the Gaming House of Insertion (GHINS) in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Steven is focused on the world of one of his favorite video games. However, even if the moment looks more like rest than work, it is indeed present for a specific reason: to build your professional project.
In any case, this is the objective of this unique structure in New Aquitaine, the fourth in France: to approach young people aged 16 to 25 who have until now been difficult to attract to the local Mission. Focused on digital technology, sport and video games, the objective is to highlight on the CV the skills of young people acquired through the use of digital tools. “Réveille tes skills”, the name of the project co-financed by the European Social Fund and the State as part of the call for projects relating to the prevention and fight against poverty, is set up in Villeneuve-sur -Lot with a less institutional costume than the local Mission.
Classic support, different tools
The place is then designed by young people and for young people. Various game consoles, computers, a corner for playing sports, board games or even a virtual reality escape game, everything is done to create social connections. And the concept seems to work. “I play a lot,” adds Steven, who arrived three weeks ago and was oriented by the local Mission. And here I feel at home. » “It’s fabulous, we are very well received. They are all attentive when we need to discuss and they are there to support us,” says Dylan, 25, followed by the local Mission and came this morning to carry out his job search before to start playing a game of the Valorant video game.
“The young people who come to the Gaming House don’t just have fun, they work for their future”
Here, advisors are responsible for supporting young people in building their career path. And among the skills worked on by playing video games, many are those sought by recruiters: team cohesion, project management, communication and even decision-making under pressure. On the sports side, it is self-discipline, motivation and even self-confidence that are worked on to enhance the CV. “The escape game encourages problem solving, stimulates creativity and develops players’ analytical skills,” specifies the structure.
Inside, the decoration, created by young people with parts sometimes made with a 3D printer, refers to Stranger Things, e-sports teams, the “Big Bang Theory” series or even the Marvel universe. “We also have software that allows the extraction of skills and knowledge transferable to the professional world from the practice of video games. It’s a classic accompaniment, but with different tools. It’s a gateway to the professional world,” adds Valérie Le Corre-Steinbach, director of the local mission of Villeneuve-sur-Lot.
A place to live
Beyond the professional aspect, the Gaming house tends to become a place for living and socializing. A place where everyone can come together to discuss a common passion, sometimes helping to break the loneliness. “I usually have a hard time leaving the house, I prefer to play in front of my computer and do my streams [vidéos visionnées en direct sur des plateformes comme Twitch, NDLR]. And ultimately, this place made me want to come regularly,” confides Steven.
Upstairs, Steven can continue to produce his streams, but with a more professional approach. Here he can benefit from a room partly dedicated to practice while having to keep an eye on the editorial line of his channel and learning to use computer software.
A new way of approaching job searching, creating a CV and obtaining a good dose of self-confidence necessary to sell yourself on the job market. And the Gaming House reminds us: “The young people who come here are not content with having fun, they are working for their future. »
The Gaming house is open to all young people in the area at 9, rue de la Convention in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Contact: 07 78 50 32 26 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The inauguration will take place on Tuesday, December 17, at 3 p.m.
