Breaking Gender Stereotypes
A joint interview with Floriane, an Electrical Installer, and Tony, an Agency Assistant, at Equans France.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Floriane Florent describes herself as an “electrical installer.” She is one of 278 women at Ineo who work on construction sites—a rare occurrence. Tony Courtot, on the other hand, is one of two “Agency Assistants”—in other words, “secretaries”—at Equans France. Neither of them ever imagined they would follow such a career path or find fulfillment in these professions. They perfectly illustrate the theme of gender diversity and the fight against stereotypes.
Gender parity is increasing on construction sites and in offices
How did you come to pursue careers in which people don't typically expect to see a woman or a man? Was it a calling?
Floriane
Not at all! I never would have imagined that one day I’d find myself alone at the top of a cherry picker, installing, maintaining, or repairing streetlight systems. The job I was doing as a temp was order picker, mainly for ready-to-wear and mail-order brands. In 2016, my temp agency offered me an assignment at a construction site. I jumped at the chance and learned the trade on the job. Six years later, I no longer wonder whether this is the right career for me or not.
Tony
If you read my resume, you’ll see that nothing in my background suggested I’d become a secretary! I’ve worked as a CNC machine operator, a ceramics worker, a forge operator, a laundry worker, an order picker and forklift operator, a warehouse clerk, and a paramedic assistant… it was health issues that forced me to move away from physically demanding jobs. In July 2019, France Travail offered me a week-long immersion in the design office at the Vendeuvre-sur-Barse branch in Champagne-Ardenne. I jumped at the chance. Although I wasn’t very comfortable in the design office, I showed just how motivated and serious I was, so they offered me the chance to help out in the administrative office. Honestly, on the first day, I wondered what on earth I was going to do there. But it went well, and in June 2020, I took over for a secretary who had moved on to another position. I really don’t regret it.
On the first day, I wondered what on earth I was going to do there. Tony Courtot - Agency Assistant
Combating Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace
Are you aware that you’re in a profession considered “feminine” for you, Tony, and “masculine” for you, Floriane? Do people point this out to you? Have you ever been confronted with sexist remarks?
Tony
I really don’t see how being a secretary is particularly a woman’s job. In fact, we’re seeing more and more men in customer service roles. Gender parity is increasing across all professions. As for my family and friends, they mostly congratulate me on successfully transitioning to a job that no longer puts my health at risk—and one they didn’t expect me to take on. The female coworkers who trained me sometimes tease me—it’s really all in good fun—and I think they’re actually pretty happy to see a man in this line of work. Ultimately, no one—at work or outside of it—has ever tried to make me feel uncomfortable about my job.
My family and friends are mostly congratulating me on successfully changing careers!
Floriane
People have pointed out to me that I’m in a field that’s typically male-dominated, but they’ve done so in a kind way and by congratulating me. As for my coworkers, I can tell they’re more considerate toward me than they are toward other coworkers, but it’s really just kindness, and I don’t feel any sexism. So, I’ll admit that carrying a lantern with a heavy handle is pretty difficult, but in those cases, we work in pairs and the problem is solved. Anyone can do this job. People often say to me, “Good morning, sir,” and then, when they get a good look at my face, they seem a little surprised and say, “Excuse me, ma’am.” Actually, it’s kind of funny.
People often say to me, “Hello, sir”!
Education, Career Paths, and Diversity
What courses have you taken?
Tony
I was trained by two secretaries who were already on the job. It took me six months to feel completely comfortable. Now, I know how to do everything required of an agency assistant. And of course, whenever there’s a new software tool or major update for managing invoices, orders, or other tasks, we’re trained to become efficient quickly. But everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned here.
Floriane
I joined Ineo as a temporary employee and then on a 24-month work-study contract. The school was in Amiens, and I was working toward a vocational certificate as an electrician, which I earned. So I was hired in January 2018. Since then, I’ve earned several vocational certificates to work on both live and de-energized electrical systems.
Management at Equans France
Did management play a specific, significant role?
Tony
The teams were essential. I’d especially like to thank Agnès Mahu, who became an assistant site manager, and Audrey Paulin, who’s always been there, for welcoming me, training me, and supporting me, as well as the management team for their trust. They believed in me, and it all worked out well, even though I was really starting from scratch. I was given a chance, and I was supported and guided.
Floriane
I am truly grateful to David Prévot, my mentor for twenty-four months, who has since become the office manager. Thanks to him, I’ve fallen in love with my job. And I’d also like to thank the entire team at the Lesquin office, who welcomed me so warmly and helped me fit in—which is why I’m happy to go to work every morning.
Floriane and Tony: Their Career Goals
How do you see your career progressing? Are you concerned about a “glass ceiling”?
Floriane
My career goal is not to spend my whole life on construction sites. So I’d like to advance and eventually work in an office to manage other people’s work. I’m discussing this with my supervisors and trying to figure out what training would make that possible. The idea is to achieve this within the next five years. But what’s complicated is that, once you’ve worked outdoors with that kind of freedom, it’s hard to imagine being cooped up in an office. So I’m taking my time and thinking about a position that I might continue to enjoy as much as the one I have now, which I really love.
Tony
Right now, I feel really good where I am. It’s a job without a set routine where you never get bored, and where there’s always something new to learn.
Key Figures*
Key Figures*
*2022 Figures - Equans France
