Lénaelle Grialou’s arrival at ECT is a major event, given the low proportion of women in the public works sector. At the age of 17, this young trainee has become the first female machine operator on an ECT site. An important step in our commitment to diversity.
An atypical career
A student at the Lycée Épamevelles, Léanelle is starting a two-year sandwich course. Her aim is to obtain a vocational certificate as a public works machine operator. With only two girls in her class, she is a pioneer in a sector where women are very rare.
Her interest in this profession was sparked by her first test drive on a piece of construction equipment, which captivated her, and by the encouragement of her father, a French teacher. On her teacher’s recommendation, she chose ECT for her apprenticeship. She will be supervised by site manager Dimitri Evanno and site manager de Belmiro. As tutor and co-tutor, they will be responsible for her integration and progress.
Field missions and challenges
Lénaelle arrived on 8 July. Since then, she has been working at the ECT site in Chelles (77). As part of specific assignments, she drives a dumper and a shovel. During the development phase, the site needs a fertile substrate for future planting. Lénaelle uses the dumper to transport this substrate. She has also used the shovel to carry out test pits, enabling the design offices to analyse the quality of the soil.
Working on the Chelles site presents a number of challenges. And Lénaelle has had to overcome her fear of heights. Compliance with safety measures and the support of her colleagues have enabled her to become more comfortable and independent. She is determined to give it her all.
What she enjoys most is being part of a development project: following its progress and understanding the phasing stages. In spring 2025, the urban park (developed in partnership with Safer de l’Ile-de-France) will be completed. She can’t wait to see it planted and open to the public.
Integration and ambition
Lénaelle is delighted with her integration into the team. She feels confident about progressing in her apprenticeship and developing her skills. Lénaelle wants to show that there is room for women in the construction industry. And she hopes to be hired by ECT after she graduates, like her predecessor Baptiste.
