18.05.26
Portrait of Nicolas, itinerant maintenance technician at Equans Services Bâtiments & Infrastructures
What do you like about your job today?
"I'm an itinerant maintenance technician and I work in several areas of expertise: plumbing, troubleshooting, boilers, air conditioning... What I like is the diversity: no two days are alike. But above all, I love the relationship. We represent the company at every job: we talk, we reassure, we explain. The human link makes all the difference. And I'm proud to make a concrete contribution to the energy performance of buildings."
Why did you join Equans France?
"Right from my first internship, during my retraining, I knew this was where I wanted to work. I was welcomed like a colleague: they trusted me and encouraged me to go all the way. I felt considered, even though I was only an intern. I also really liked the team spirit and the proximity of the managers. I signed a permanent contract in September 2022."
Why did you decide to convert?
"I wanted a more varied, more technical job, where I learn something new every day. I decided to retrain at the age of 40. Thanks to a training program, I trained as a heating and sanitary installer, then in boiler maintenance and repairs. It takes courage to start from scratch, but when you know why you're doing it, you can make rapid progress. There's no age limit to change!"
What was your previous job?
"I started in the bakery-pastry business at a very young age: at 14, I was already an apprentice. I worked in this field for almost twenty years. What I loved most was training apprentices. But as the years went by, I needed a new lease of life, something that made me want to get up in the morning again."
A tip for daring reconversion
"You have to believe in yourself and dare. Retraining requires you to leave your comfort zone, but it's a real opportunity. Our technical professions are varied, at the heart of today's climate challenges. Today, I feel fulfilled and proud to become a tutor. Passing on is part of what has always driven me, and being able to do it in my new profession is a great satisfaction."
