Issues
Young people in rural areas remain largely absent from equal opportunity schemes. Geographical isolation, limited professional networks, restricted access to information and self-censorship all represent significant barriers to guidance and professional integration.
In addition to these structural obstacles, there is limited visibility of possible career paths and future-oriented professions, particularly in the field of the ecological and energy transition. Yet rural and small towns concentrate numerous opportunities in forward-looking sectors, renewable energy, natural resource management, circular economy, sustainable agriculture and energy renovation. Despite this potential, many young people remain constrained by insufficient support and limited access to training pathways and professional networks.
Actions
Since 2016, Rura has been working to improve access to information and professional opportunities for young people from rural areas and small towns through dedicated support programmes.
Since late 2024, in partnership with Fondation SUEZ, the association has progressively integrated ecological transition issues into its educational approach and into the opportunities offered to young people: discovery of green careers, mentoring with committed professionals, and participation in cultural and citizen events related to the transition.
Rura provides a range of complementary tools and initiatives for young people:
- A community platform fostering peer support and networking
- A free digital guidance tool, OMI (“Orientation – Motivation – Inspiration”), designed for high school students;
- Cultural days and professional immersion experiences with organisations active in the ecological transition sector.
The association also mobilises key adult stakeholders :
- Awareness-raising activities, training sessions and content creation initiatives are delivered to teachers to better integrate transition-related issues into student guidance.
- Mentors engaged in the ecological transition benefit from a structured pathway including training and ongoing support to ensure high-quality mentoring.
Key figures
Our support
- Multi-year partnership (2026-2029)
- Support of the deployment of the programme guiding rural youth towards ecological and energy transition careers, co-financed with Fondation SUEZ
- Deployment of mentoring actions and “Future Workshops” with Mirova employees