Dimitri, 33, is an area manager and Baptiste, 17, is a student at Lycée polyvalent les Pannevelles. Baptiste is on a work-study program as a machine operator, and Dimitri is his tutor.
A joint interview on ECT’s Chelles site.
How is your training structured ?
Baptiste, 17: “I’m studying for a two-year vocational diploma to become a machine operator in the construction sector. At the end of my first year, I’ll be doing a work-study program at ECT. Back in 2020, I had the opportunity to do an internship on an ECT site. After obtaining my vocational training certificate, I wanted to continue my studies. Becoming a machine operator is a real vocation. It’s a real passion. Even when I was very young, I was fascinated by the machines on the roads. And now I can live my dream.”
Dimitri: “I joined ECT in 2009, and today I’m an area manager and in charge of the roads and infrastructure teams. I did the same training at the same school as Baptiste. I’m excited about training the next generation of ECT machine operators. So far, I’ve taken on eight trainees for vocational training certificates. Baptiste’s work-study program provides the opportunity to receive practical tutoring.”
What does being an apprentice and a tutor involve ?
Baptiste works at ECT’s Chelles site, where he learns a trade and gets to know how ECT operates. “Dimitri took the time to explain to me how ECT manages and recovers soil from construction sites. It’s all becoming much more hands on.” Baptiste is present for three weeks a month. Each morning, he’s ready and raring to go, puts on his safety gear and climbs into one of the site machines. Baptiste is becoming a true multi-skilled operator: “I honestly have the chance to drive all types of machine – dumpers, backhoes, loaders, backhoe loaders, bull loaders and tankers.”
As a tutor, Dimitri assists his apprentice: “I have a twofold role: supporting Baptiste with his work, answering his questions and teaching him how to become more technically proficient. But I also help him develop and prepare him for his end-of-year exams. It’s my first time as a tutor, and it’s a great experience.”
Baptiste can’t wait for July, because for three months he’ll be 100% on the job. He still has a year to go before taking his exam. He hopes to continue at ECT afterwards.
And how do you become a good machine operator ?
Dimitri and Baptiste agree that you need to be mature, diligent and focused in order to observe and manage your environment and avoid accidents. “We move earth to create layouts with shapes and uses specific to a project, so it’s an important role.”
Dimitri: “To be a good employee at ECT, you have to do every job. That’s why Baptiste also works as a site manager. He’s learning to keep unloading trucks safe, and is becoming familiar with the different types of soil and how to monitor them.”
What do you like about ECT’s worksites ?
Baptiste: “At school, we’re taught how to dig and strip all types of soil. On ECT sites, it’s more impressive. We work at heights, on slopes. And that doesn’t scare me. It’s incredible to think that we’re going to create a park in the middle of the city with all this land. During my apprenticeship, I’ll have to master the techniques of shaping models and finishing according to the project plans. That’s what I like.”
Dimitri: “I like everything about my job! What always amazes me is seeing the transformation of a site over several years. I also love working on smaller projects. You get to see the whole project in a single summer.”
