A 64 million EUR budget to boost employment

The 2025 Regional Skills Investment Pact (PRIC) provides a budget of €64 million to support vocational training in Réunion.

This agreement, concluded with the French government, aims to facilitate access to qualifying programs for struggling Réunion residents and to boost the local economy. Since 2021, a revival of the vocational training sector has been underway. In 2024, nearly 13,000 places were offered, including 9,800 thanks to the PRIC. The completion rate reached 144%, with priority given to young people without qualifications, RSA recipients, and people with limited access to employment.

For 2025, more than 10,000 places are once again planned. The allocation targets 40% unskilled young people, 20% RSA recipients, and 6% seniors or people with disabilities. Several public procurement contracts dedicated to these programs are currently being organized.

A third round will be active at the start of the school year, followed by a fourth, announced on July 3. This last round includes 44 lots for programs scheduled for early 2026, in promising sectors such as digital technology, energy transition, construction, agriculture, and industry. €16 million in funding is also planned for 2,500 places managed by France Travail, in fields such as security, personal services, and logistics.

The PRIC 2025 is part of a comprehensive strategy to upskill Reunion Islanders and, according to the authorities, is part of an active partnership between local and national institutions. Despite an announced reduction in apprenticeship aid at the national level, priority remains given to courses adapted to the needs of the region and geared towards sustainable employment.