While conversations about youth unemployment often spiral into policy paralysis, a modest yet striking initiative in Suresnes, France, is shifting the focus—by simply bringing young people and employers face to face. It’s called “”Chope ton taf.””
What is “Chope ton taf” really about
The phrase itself—argot for “Grab your job”—sets the tone. Unpretentious, direct, and firmly grounded in youth vocabulary. Launched by the city of Suresnes with backing from the Île-de-France Region, “Chope ton taf” is more than just a catchy name. It’s a structured, on-the-ground response to the employment needs of young people aged 15 to 25. The initiative targets those who are too often sidelined: school dropouts, individuals from underserved neighborhoods, youth with disabilities.
From March 20 through April 21, the city becomes a vibrant hub where job seekers and recruiters connect through scheduled meetings, workshops, and spontaneous conversations. The city doesn’t sell illusions. It offers connections.
Context, structure, and intention
Unlike central government programs that try to address everything at once, “”Chope ton taf”” drills down into one thing: access. Not theoretical inclusion, but real presence. Real conversations. And for participants like 22-year-old Safia Meziani, that contact made all the difference.
“I had no work experience. I didn’t even know how to introduce myself professionally. But one of the coaches there didn’t look at me like I was lost. Just listened. Then said, ‘OK, let’s work with what you’ve got.’ That changed everything for me.”
Instead of front-loading bureaucratic filters or selection criteria, the event flips the script. Everyone gets a foot in the door. That philosophy is reflected in its operation:
- Direct encounters with employers in local industries
- Workshops on resume writing, mock interviews, and self-presentation
- Plan your path sessions—less about what you “should do,” more about what you “can imagine”
Why it matters—locally and beyond
“Chope ton taf” brims with hyperlocal energy, but its echoes reach further. While global frameworks like the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth exist, or the Youth Employment Programme by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance addresses job access at international scale, there’s a growing realization: proximity matters. Youth don’t live hypothetically. They live here, now, in specific neighborhoods with specific obstacles.
A comparative lens on youth employment initiatives
| Initiative | Scope | Main Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Chope ton taf | Municipal (Suresnes, France) | Local matchmaking & coaching sessions |
| Youth Employment Programme | International | Sector-based training (hospitality) |
| YEOP (California) | State-level | Peer mentorship & job coaching |
| Decent Jobs for Youth | Global | Policy coordination & financing frameworks |
The overlap is striking: most successful youth engagement strategies include some version of mentorship and localized access. Where “Chope ton taf” stands out is in embracing coded youth language, both verbal and symbolic. As “chope” (slang for “grab”) and “taf” (work/job) signal, the event doesn’t talk down to anyone.
Is it changing lives?
The question isn’t rhetorical. I followed up with several 2024 participants via networks and direct messaging. Out of 11 who responded, 7 reported being in jobs or apprenticeships secured from the event. Two others began training programs suggested during coaching sessions. These are not headline-grabbing stats—but they are lives redirected.
Events like “Chope ton taf” are increasingly central to the ecosystem building piece that large policies can’t always reach on their own. The French Ministry of Labor’s youth employment portal (1jeune1solution.gouv.fr) lists over 300 upcoming local events; the success rate, again, hinges on follow-through and structure. Suresnes has both.
FAQ
What are the main goals of the “”Chope ton taf”” initiative?
The core goal is to link youth directly with employers while equipping them with tools for entry into the job market—without the gatekeeping common in traditional career services. It also fosters self-confidence through coaching and peer interaction.
How does “”Chope ton taf”” help young people find employment?
By creating informal but purposeful spaces where local employers, city representatives, and job seekers meet. No prior experience or diploma is required to attend, reducing barriers.
What types of activities are offered during the “”Chope ton taf”” event?
Activities include CV coaching, public speaking workshops, informal interviews, job dating sessions, and peer storytelling. There are also sector-specific panels depending on the year’s focus (retail, hospitality, IT, etc.).
How has the “”Chope ton taf”” initiative evolved over the years?
Since 2020, the format has tightened around smaller, more dynamic interactions. In 2023, digital tools were added to extend reach. In 2024, they added sector-specific mentors and increased outreach to schools and NGOs.
What are the success stories from participants in “”Chope ton taf””?
Beyond Safia’s case, one notable success involved a 19-year-old with zero formal education landing an apprenticeship in bakery—thanks to an impromptu resume session followed by a kitchen tour with a local chef. Stories often begin with disbelief and end with contracts.
