A recent Ifop survey reveals that nearly 70% of employees plan to pursue professional growth in the next two years, showing increased motivation for change. The Conseil en Évolution Professionnelle (CEP) offers guidance through various operators, assisting employees and freelancers in career transitions. With rising awareness, the CEP provides tailored support, skills assessments, and consultation to help individuals navigate their professional paths effectively, promoting both radical changes and simpler advancements within existing roles.
Nearly 70% of employees are contemplating a professional change within the next two years, marking a 4% increase since July 2023, according to a recent survey* conducted by Ifop for Avenir Actifs and released on October 7. A significant number of these individuals are considering a career shift as early as the next year.
To support these transitions, several operators are involved in implementing the Conseil en Évolution Professionnelle (CEP):
- France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) for jobseekers;
- Apec for those in executive positions;
- Local missions targeting individuals under 26;
- Cap emploi for workers with disabilities;
- Various operators under the “Avenir Actifs” banner for employees and the self-employed.
Discovering Opportunities with Conseil en Évolution Professionnelle
The CEP offers freelancers and employees a confidential space to reflect on career transitions. Sébastien Van Dyk, Managing Director of Talent Solutions at ManpowerGroup, emphasizes the service’s role in helping individuals “consider a career transition project and their professional journey.” In 2023, approximately 180,000 individuals received support from this consulting service, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. However, Van Dyk notes that this valuable resource remains “still insufficiently known” among the public, despite its potential to unlock various career opportunities.
Whether considering a sweeping career shift or a more subtle evolution within their current job, the CEP offers valuable insights. “You can conduct a comprehensive review of your transition,” adds Van Dyk, who notes that the CEP can be instrumental in facilitating internal promotions by providing essential guidance for discussions with managers or HR personnel.
The program offers complimentary support of up to 5 or 6 sessions with an advisor who provides personalized assistance and resources tailored to individual projects. “The CEP helps you avoid feeling stuck when facing challenges, clarifies your professional situation, and co-creates a development path,” says Van Dyk. Furthermore, the service empowers users to redefine priorities, tap into new information sources, assess opportunities within their locality, and gain confidence in their chosen path. Essentially, it provides “all the tools necessary to bridge the gap between your current status and your future aspirations,” he continues. In summary, the CEP ensures you are supported throughout your journey, with accessible, high-quality service in your vicinity.
The Importance of Skills Assessment in Career Transitions
A crucial element in preparing for a career change is undergoing a skills assessment. For employees and the self-employed, this service helps identify new career avenues for professional development. “We prioritize the skills and interpersonal abilities that individuals have acquired through their experiences, which they often overlook,” explains Sixtine Trocheris, co-founder of Même pas cap, a family-run business that provides online skills assessments and has helped over 10,000 people since its inception in 2019.
It’s worth noting that individuals can engage in this process independently, perhaps using their compte personnel de formation for funding, or they can collaborate with their employer to conduct the assessment during work hours. However, discussing skills assessments remains a sensitive topic. “Many employees hesitate to broach the subject with their employer for fear of denial. People often equate skills assessments with leaving their current jobs, although that isn’t always necessary. Collaborative projects between employers and employees can enhance individual well-being,” suggests Trocheris.
An essential point to remember is that a successful project doesn’t necessarily mean making a complete change; it should instead be something that excites you. Interestingly, a recent study revealed that only 45% of individuals who underwent a skills assessment changed jobs afterward, while 55% opted for less drastic modifications, such as switching sectors or changing roles within the same organization.
To achieve successful career evolution, “taking time to reflect and validate the feasibility of your project is crucial,” advises Trocheris. For some, this journey might involve a transition from employment to self-employment or vice versa, or blending stable part-time work with a passion project. For instance, one veterinarian, overwhelmed by the demands of her practice, decided to become an employee at a slaughterhouse, finding a healthier work-life balance.
The aim of a skills assessment is to “align your career with your life goals,” Trocheris emphasizes. This tool can also facilitate a significant career pivot. For example, one client who had always aspired to fly planes transitioned from a customer service managerial role to working as a baggage handler at an airport while awaiting pilot training in Canada—a choice made possible through support received during his