UG - GBH Group meeting: a new dynamic for partnerships in French Guiana

A strategic exchange between the University and a major economic player

The meeting between the UG and Groupe GBH is part of a clear desire to bring together the academic world and the private sector in French Guyana. The President of the University of Guyana met with the group's directors to explore new avenues for collaboration.

The meeting provided an opportunity to open up a structured dialogue. The objective is simple: to better adapt training courses to the needs of the region and to strengthen the professional integration of students.

Presentation of the University of Guyana and its missions

The University of Guyana began by presenting its structures, sites and strategic priorities. The institution plays a central role in the training of students and the production of research adapted to local realities.

It actively contributes to the development of the region. It supports economic, social and technological change in French Guiana.

The GBH Group: a major economic player in French Guiana

The GBH Group's human resources representatives then presented the company. The group has nearly 20,000 employees spread over a dozen territories, including around 700 in French Guiana.

GBH operates in several strategic sectors: distribution, automotive, spirits and other activities linked to local economic development. For the group, French Guiana represents an area of great potential.

A tried and tested partnership model

GBH pointed out that a partnership is already in place with the University of La Réunion. This BTS-type scheme provides support for students who have dropped out of school from the first year onwards.

On the strength of this experience, the Group is now looking at the conditions for setting up a similar operation in French Guiana. The aim is to build a partnership tailored to local conditions.

Clearly identified areas for collaboration

A number of priority areas were discussed at the UG - Groupe GBH meeting. Digital technology and digital transformation are at the top of the list of strategic themes.

Work-study programmes and the professionalisation of students are also essential levers. These schemes facilitate the acquisition of practical skills and enhance the employability of graduates.

Finally, technology and innovation open up new perspectives. They enable us to encourage applied research and support projects with a high impact for the region.

Towards the organisation of a jobs forum in French Guiana

The GBH group has expressed an interest in organising a job forum in partnership with the University of Guyana. This event would encourage meetings between students, graduates and recruiters.

Such a scheme would strengthen the direct link between training and employment. It would also give greater visibility to the professional opportunities available in French Guyana.

A driving force for regional development

The meeting between UG and Groupe GBH opens up concrete prospects. It illustrates a shared desire to act for the economic and social development of the region.

In a context marked by a strong presence of public employment, the strengthening of structuring private partnerships appears strategic. The next few months will be devoted to structuring this partnership so that it can be translated into concrete actions for the benefit of students and French Guiana.

The meeting between UG and Groupe GBH is a major step forward in strengthening the links between the University of Guyana and the local economic fabric. Digital technologies, work-study programmes, innovation and job fairs open up concrete prospects for students. Structuring this partnership will be crucial. Follow the next initiatives to find out what's being done to serve French Guiana.