Attention! The Paris Olympics are currently seeking individuals to occupy 16,000 positions, including roles such as cooks, security guards, and various other positions.
SAINT-DENIS, France — Paris Olympics organizers and their partners set up a giant job fair on Tuesday meant to help fill about 16,000 vacancies in key sectors including catering, security, transport and cleaning, 10 months before the opening of the Games.
Approximately 50 companies are currently hiring across different industries in order to accommodate millions of spectators and over 14,500 athletes for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics.
The job fair took place in Saint-Denis, a suburb located to the north of the French capital. It was held on the site where the Olympic village will be built in the future. Individuals looking for employment also have the option to apply through a designated website.
“I cannot reword”
“We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the world in 300 days. And without a doubt, we are fully committed to achieving the highest level,” he stated.
The working-class, multicultural area of Saint-Denis is also one of the poorest places in France’s mainland, where the unemployment rate reaches about 10% – or three points above the national average. The Olympic committee worked with the state and local authorities to encourage companies to hire local workers and disadvantaged people.
PHOTOS: Job alert! Paris Olympics are looking for cooks, security guards and others to fill 16,000 vacancies
Estanguet emphasized that being involved in the Games brings him a great sense of personal pride.
“It’s also a very rare professional experience, quite exceptional, which I think will benefit those who need to find a job,” he said. “Having an Olympic experience on your CV is very valuable.”
Finding suitable candidates for recruitment may be particularly challenging in industries such as restaurants and security services, where businesses in the country already struggle to fill job vacancies.
Sodexo Live, which is in charge of the catering during the Olympics, is looking to fill 6,000 jobs. The company noted that many don’t require specific qualifications and that those who are hired will be offered training.
“I cannot reword”
About 3,000 jobs are estimated to be needed to take care of cleaning and waste management. French metro and rail groups RATP and SNCF are also hiring people on long-term contracts to operate transports during the Games.
Between 2018 and 2024, the estimated number of individuals directly involved in the organization of the Games by the Olympic organizing committee exceeds 181,000.
