The GBH vocational school: A new Group initiative for youth employment
for the training and integration of young people
GBH is upping its efforts around employability and is creating a vocational school by establishing high-quality training programmes in order to respond to young people’s employment needs and the high demand for qualified employees. The Group is setting up its first motor-vehicle school in French Guiana. This sector is rapidly evolving towards hybrid and electric technologies.
Rodolphe Hayot, Executive Officer of GBH said: "We care very deeply about giving young people training and getting them into work. With this in mind, we are offering this new training programme, with the support of our subsidiaries, in order to meet the growing needs of sectors with hard-to-fill roles. With this first school, we are delighted to help to bring young people in French Guiana into the motor-vehicle industry."
Overseen by an experienced team of trainers, the GBH vocational school in French Guiana offers a work-study programme for apprentices, as well as a training centre for professionals who are already working. The school is Qualiopi-certified, meaning that its modules will comply with quality standards. With a modern workshop and facilities, the GBH vocational school offers new opportunities for learning and skills development.
"FrenchGuiana is facing high unemployment rates, especially among young people. We want to make it easier to access vocational training and jobs. The vocational school embodies GBH’s values in order to help young people to develop and get into work. We are committed to training course participants in our workshops with the same equipment as in a garage on state-of-the-art vehicles with passionate, qualified trainers. By choosing to join the GBH vocational school, young people will be assured of quickly acquiring technical expertise tailored to the requirements of the profession and entering the dynamic motor-vehicle world", explained Myriam Jacques, President of the Vocational School and French Guiana Motor Vehicles Director.
The apprentice work-study training centre will offer three certification courses, available to young people aged between 16 and 29 years old who would like to work as a mechanic or a motor-vehicle technician. Once they have successfully completed their training course, the young person will have a vocational qualification and will be able to get a job at one of GBH’s subsidiaries in French Guiana.
On Tuesday 2 April 2024, the first apprenticeship class was admitted to the GBH vocational school in order to obtain a motor-vehicle mechanic CAP qualification (a French "certificat d'aptitude professionnelle" vocational training certificate, equivalent to a Level 3 diploma in the European Qualifications Framework). Shivesh, Yohan, Jeff, Steve and Korick are starting their 6-month work-study programme at GBH’s subsidiaries: Guyane Automobile, Norauto and Autorama.
Steve Welline, apprentice: "I come from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Apatou. I dream of being able to rise through the ranks to become workshop manager or to set up my own company. Something clicked with me when I arrived in Norauto and I saw how the mechanics worked and I thought 'this is what I want to do for work'. Thanks to the GBH vocational school, I will get a diploma, mechanics knowledge and the opportunity to get training so that I can stand on my own two feet as a mechanic. I would tell young people in French Guiana that you need to persevere and want to succeed. We work as a team here and are comfortable. You have to have a bash and not shy away. Teamwork is very important, as we share our diverse knowledge and help others".
Two other programmes will be available soon: Motor-vehicle electromechanical technician (a "BAC" vocational-baccalaureate qualification, equivalent to a Level 4 diploma in the European Qualifications Framework) and motor-vehicle after-sales expert technician (a "Brevet de Technicien Supérieur" advanced technician certificate, equivalent to a Level 5 diploma).
"Our school is committed to supporting young people on two fronts: training and getting a job. So what's the goal? Take them on a deep dive into our professions by emphasising what they can achieve and deliver, with support from an expert trainer. Together, we want to create a bespoke pathway and modules based on the skills, experience and career aspirations of people who come through the doors of our school. I look forward to starting out on this adventure and helping to nurture this desire to learn and succeed", said Ketsia Tolassy, Training Course Director.
The training centre is aimed at motor-vehicle mechanics who are already working. A number of bespoke training modules are available for mechanic, receptionist or electromechanic professions, as well as modules related to specialist skills of the trade (chassis and suspension parts, and troubleshooting).
"With25 years of extensive technical mechanical experience at Guyane Automobile, I built up my expertise on the ground before getting the Renault Academy trainer certificate. As an electromechanic and technical assistant, my involvement is not just about skills. I want to pass on knowledge, but also a genuine love for this profession, as it has to be done from the heart", said Marius Cosset, technical trainer.
Registration for training programmes is open. Young people who are interested in motor-vehicle mechanics and would like to build a long-term career should apply now.
Information: www.ecoledesmetiersgbh.fr