I am deeply committed to product quality; I believe it’s important to understand the entire process of creating a product, from wheat to the finished good. For me, taking care of the product means taking care of the consumer!
As a testing technician, I must identify all the defects and qualities of the wheat, which helps raise environmental awareness and allows us to work in harmony with nature and what it provides us.
Why become a Test Technician after 25 years at GMP?
With a DUT degree in Food and Biological Industries, my career began in a completely different sector; I worked in food and medical research and development. I then joined Grands Moulins de Paris in 1997 as a laboratory technician at the Verneuil site.
Last year, in 2022, I earned my CAP in Baking in six months at theParis School of Baking and Pastry in Paris, in order to advance to the position of test technician. Today, having trained under Béatrice LACOUR, I am expanding my expertise in physical chemistry to include product technology.
I am deeply committed to product quality; I believe it’s important to understand the entire production process, from wheat to the finished product. For me, taking care of the product means taking care of the consumer!
As a testing technician, my job is to identify all the flaws and qualities of the wheat, which helps me realize that we must work with nature and what it provides us.
What are your main responsibilities?
Being a testing technician is a versatile role. I identify the defects and qualities of wheat and flour through rheological (the science that studies the deformation and flow of materials, such as elasticity) and technological testing processes. I conduct laboratory tests ranging from grinding wheat in the test mill to the production of finished products: bread, croissants, and puff pastries.
In addition, this profession requires a high degree of precision and scientific expertise. It also calls for the use of all five senses, an intuitive understanding of the product, and a sense of curiosity.
One of the major challenges is ensuring product consistency, as the quality of the products must remain the same from one year to the next.
Is it hard to go back to school as an adult?
Yes, it’s not easy to go back to school after a 26-year career… However, it’s very rewarding both personally and intellectually.
For six months, I had to learn new things, stay motivated, and remain focused despite the heavy workload.
It was a fresh start, back in the shoes of a student! During my internships at the Gennevilliers, Briare, and Brienne sites, I was able to learn and succeed thanks to internal resources and the support of my colleagues who are experts in the field, and I had many opportunities to exchange ideas.
This training program has been a wonderful shared experience! I am committed to sharing it, passing on this unique expertise, and supporting young people as they embark on this rewarding career.
To achieve your goal, you have to give yourself the means to get there, never give up, and see your dreams through to the end. I think I get that perseverance from my marathon-running side.
What makes you want to stay at the Verneuil site?
Verneuil is a beautiful place in the heart of the countryside! I’ve met so many people there, and they’ve all had a positive impact on me. Plus, we’re a small team of about 45 people, which strengthens our bonds and fosters a supportive and close-knit atmosphere.
For me, I would define Grands Moulins de Paris through these five values: expertise, sharing, authenticity, kindness, and safety—particularly through CARE.
It’s still rare to see women in test technician roles—what can be done to change that?
In my view, this position isn’t necessarily a man’s job, since I’ve only ever known women in this role. I therefore consider it a gender-neutral profession.
I think we need to dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the field of test engineering; there’s no difference in accessibility for women and men. It’s simply a profession that isn’t well known to the general public!
To change attitudes, we need to start addressing this issue in school! During my training (CAP), there were already very few women, and the career opportunities aren’t fully explained. In particular, we should organize visits to mills so that students can learn about all the different trades.
This could inspire even more women to pursue careers in this field!
Today, we must all play an active role in promoting gender equality within Grands Moulins de Paris and the Vivescia Group. Changes are taking place gradually and demonstrate the momentum that has been built.
At the Verneuil site, gender diversity has developed naturally.
I believe that diversity is a tremendous asset for the company; it enables us to achieve great things and grow together.
