Auvergne

Photo : D.R.

The rural region of Auvergne is a vast nature reservoir in the heart of France. But despite a modest local market, a number of national and international champions have emerged from this area, including Michelin, Limagrain, and Danon group-owned Volvic mineral water, as well as innovative small and medium enterprises drawing from the resources of the two universities and the grandes écoles (elite institutes) of Clermond-Ferrand, the capital of Auvergne. With a 4.59% progression in 2008 in the level of education (ISCED 5-6) for 25-64 year olds, the volcanic region has climbed to the second spot in Europe in terms of education – a result that rewards the efforts implemented by the Auvergne Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CRCIA).
For the CRCIA, this progress is due to the priority given by the Chambers, the Auvergne Regional Council and learning institutions to increasing the quality of
education and to ensuring people’s access to schooling throughout their lives. The implementation of a higher education apprentice-training centre (Centre de Formation des Apprentis, or CFA) here, as elsewhere in France, based on cooperative education hand in hand with partner institutions, is an integral part of this effort.
As is the creation, in 2006, of a second-chance school for youth who have previously failed out or abandoned their studies. André Marcon, President of the CRCIA, also notes the relative comfort enjoyed by the region: “In a small, unified region like Auvergne, it is easier for economic, political and social players to come together and initiate such projects.” According to André Marcon, another factor in this success is due to the fact that the time when rural areas seemed cut off from the future – when the only hope for prospects lay in cities – has come to an end. “For the past several years, a lot of the urban population has returned to the countryside, with ambitions, projects and dreams. If you want to settle down in the rural milieu and make a living, this calls for professional skills and a certain level of training. The new populations settling here have a strong educational background, and they’re bringing this culture to us.” 

Population: 1 339 000
Surface area: 26 012 km2
Education: 4,59% (Percentage increase in the level of education (ISCED5-6) of 25-64 year olds in 2008 )