A very positive quantitative and qualitative assessment
On July 9, the final 'employment and integration' steering committee met at the prefecture of Toulon.
This committee brought together local stakeholders committed to the employment agreement signed in November 2020 as part of the project to widen the A57 motorway to 2×3 lanes. After commissioning in June 2025, it was time to assess these five years of work, an assessment showing highly positive quantitative and qualitative results.
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION The A57 project, which began in 2021, has established itself as one of the most significant projects in the Toulon metropolitan area. Beyond the infrastructure itself, it generated positive benefits for the entire local economy, particularly in the construction and public works sectors. The mobilization around integration was seamless during these five years of work, thanks in particular to the involvement of Groupe NGE, in charge of widening this motorway used daily by 110,000 vehicles.
As early as November 2020, a framework agreement for local employment and integration was signed. This commitment, made long before the start of the work, brought together during the construction period the prefecture of Var, the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée, the Maison de l'Emploi Provence Méditerranée, France Travail and VINCI Autoroutes. This framework agreement aimed to meet the workforce needs of businesses by drawing on local skills.
It enabled the implementation of recruitment and initial or continuous training systems, which are essential for securing career paths. Particularly inclusive, this scheme benefited those furthest from employment thanks to the systematic integration of social integration clauses in contracts.
The results testify to the exemplary mobilization of all partners. Thus, since 2021, the general works contract has generated 2,148,198 hours worked. Out of this total, 152,509 integration hours were dedicated to people far from employment, far exceeding the initial commitments of 67,000 hours.
This represents a progress rate of 227% compared to the objectives set in the agreement, illustrating a success far beyond expectations.
DIVERSIFIED PATHWAYS For 5 years, the integration scheme offered tangible opportunities to a great diversity In total, 195 contracts have been signed since the start of the operation. As is often the case in the construction sector, the majority of beneficiaries are men (143 men for 10 women), reflecting employment dynamics in this field. These contracts allowed the newly hired to access varied trades on the construction site, including positions as laboratory technicians, pipe layers, machine operators, laborers, multi-skilled workers, as well as roles as administrative assistant, maintenance agent, or security guard.
The results are distinguished by the strong representation of seniors, who make up 14.6% of the workforce, a figure higher than other comparable operations and highlighting genuine inclusiveness. Long-term commitment was favored since 31 people were hired under an integration permanent project-based contract (CDIC), representing more than 20% of contracts, a guarantee of professional stability. Furthermore, 47% of the contracts covered durations of between 2.5 months and 2.5 years, thereby reinforcing the sustainability of career paths.
The impact of the project does not stop at the end of the work. Of the 153 people who benefited from the integration scheme and worked on this project, 105 of them completed assignments of more than 151 hours (the equivalent of at least one month), testifying to their commitment and the value of their contribution. Post-project professional paths are diverse and promising.
Today, 58 of these beneficiaries are still employed, and doing so in various sectors that go far beyond construction, including large-scale retail, catering, and transport (bus drivers). This diversity illustrates the skills acquired and the resilience of the beneficiaries.
Moreover, entrepreneurship was encouraged. Thus, 2 people created their own business, proof that the project inspired entrepreneurial vocations. In addition, the attractiveness of these profiles is undeniable, as 19 people were contacted by temporary employment agencies with permanent contract (CDI) proposals.
Finally, 17 people did not get back in touch, while 5 left the region or are on long-term sick leave. Furthermore, 4 people chose to consolidate their path by undertaking additional training, strengthening their skills for the future.
STRONG LOCAL ROOTING Beyond integration objectives, the construction project was a powerful driver of economic dynamism and a vector for deep local rooting. The mobilization of local stakeholders was essential, allowing for a positive impact far beyond the direct scope of the works. As a concrete example, spouses of employees were able to find job opportunities within local VSEs/SMEs, illustrating the indirect benefits for families and the economic fabric.
VINCI Autoroutes inspired vocations by opening the construction site's doors to diverse audiences. Thus, more than 15 hospitality-focused days were organized (Coulisses du BTP, partnerships with the école de la Seconde chance du Var, or the 'Entreprises éphémères' program). These initiatives enabled over 350 people to discover the multiple professions of a major infrastructure project.
Alongside this professional commitment, VINCI Autoroutes actively engaged with the non-profit sector, through the Fondation d'entreprise VINCI pour la Cité. This approach contributed to the development of several local associations. The company established a significant partnership with the Fondation du Rugby Cœur Toulonnais by participating in the 'Cité une femme' program for 7 years now, demonstrating a societal involvement that goes beyond the strict framework of the project.
This A57 widening project involved a vast network of economic partners, with 500 companies involved in the operation. Among them, 130 come from the Toulon area, demonstrating a strong desire to prioritize the local economy. More than 100 others are VSEs/SMEs, ranging from equipment suppliers, confirming the structural role of the construction site for the development and consolidation of economic players in the region.
Photo VINCI Autoroutes, Alain TANDERO.