As part of its efforts to enhance youth employability and develop skills, the Training and Insertion Program (PFI) has recently made its mark in Dakar within the commerce and mass distribution sector. This initiative, the result of a strategic partnership between 3FPT – the Professional and Technical Training Financing Fund, Auchan Retail Sénégal, and Iba Der Thiam University of Thiès (UIDT), aims to train and insert 35 young talents into the mass distribution sector.
A Winning Partnership for Youth Employment
Under its mandate to monitor training programs funded by 3FPT, the West Territory Pole (PTO) team supervised the “Licence in Commerce and Mass Distribution” training session on Monday, January 27, 2025. Offered by UIDT in collaboration with Auchan Retail Sénégal, this training is part of an ambitious pilot phase financed at 23,940,000 F CFA. The objective is clear: to enable young people to develop advanced skills tailored to current market needs, thereby ensuring a successful professional insertion upon completion of the program.
Alternating Training for Concrete Expertise
The training, which lasts for nine months with an expected conclusion in April 2025, has been designed in an alternating format. It combines theoretical instruction with practical internships, thereby fostering a real immersion in the professional environment. Professors from renowned universities in Senegal and Lille (France) contributed their academic expertise, while seasoned professionals from the commerce and mass distribution sectors shared practical field experience. This blended pedagogical approach has met the demands of a rapidly evolving sector, offering participants a true stepping stone toward employment.
Positive Impact and Complete Satisfaction Among Beneficiaries
Early feedback from beneficiaries reveals unwavering enthusiasm and complete satisfaction with the training process. The young recruits see this opportunity as a chance to professionalize themselves and secure lasting employment in a promising sector. For Auchan Retail Sénégal, this initiative also represents an innovative recruitment strategy, enabling the company to build a pool of talent that is well-versed in market realities and the specific demands of mass distribution.
Future Perspectives
If confirmed, this pilot program could serve as a model for other sectors and regions, fostering synergy between academic institutions, private sector players, and funding bodies. The success of this initiative will not only strengthen youth employability but also invigorate the mass distribution sector in Senegal by integrating new skills adapted to contemporary challenges.
In conclusion, the Training and Insertion Program (PFI) in Dakar stands out as an exemplary initiative that combines quality training, strategic partnerships, and concrete professional insertion. It promises to positively transform the youth employment landscape in Senegal while offering promising prospects for the commerce and mass distribution sectors.
