I'm very attached to product quality, and I think it's important to know the whole process of creating a product, from wheat to finished product. For me, taking care of the product means taking care of the consumer!
As a testing technician, I have to detect all the faults and qualities of wheat, which helps to raise environmental awareness, but also to deal with nature and what it offers us.
Why become a Test Technician after 25 years with GMP?
With a DUT in Food and Biological Industries, my career path began in a completely different sector, working in food and medical R&D. I then joined Grands Moulins Paris as a Laborantine at the Verneuil site. I then joined Grands Moulins de Paris in 1997, as a laboratory assistant at the Verneuil site.
Last year in 2022, I passed my baker's CAP in 6 months at theEcole de Boulangerie et Pâtisserie in Paris, in order to progress to the position of testing technician. Today, trained by Béatrice LACOUR, I'm extending my physico-chemical expertise to include product technology.
I'm very attached to product quality, and I think it's important to know about the entire creative process, from wheat to finished product. For me, taking care of the product means taking care of the consumer!
As a testing technician, I have to detect all the faults and qualities of wheat, which helps me realize that we have to work with nature and what it offers us.
What are your main missions?
Being a Test Technician is a versatile job. I define the defects and qualities of wheat and flour through rheological (the science that studies the deformation and flow of matter, like elasticity) and technological control processes. I conduct laboratory tests, from the crushing of wheat in the test mill to the production of finished products: breads, croissants and puff pastries.
What's more, this profession demands a great deal of scientific rigor and technical expertise. You also have to use all 5 senses, feel the product and be curious.
One of the most important challenges is to check the consistency of the products, as they must be of the same quality from one year to the next.
Is it difficult 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 enriching both humanly and intellectually.
For 6 months, I had to learn new things, motivate myself and stay focused with all the workload.
It was a fresh start, as a student! During my internships at the Gennevilliers, Briare and Brienne sites, I was able to learn and succeed thanks to in-house resources alongside my colleagues who were experts in the field, and open up many opportunities for exchange.
This training has been a wonderful collective adventure! I'm keen to share it, to pass on this unique know-how, but also to support young people in this rewarding profession.
To reach your goal, you have to give yourself the means to get there, never give up and go all the way. I think this perseverance comes from my marathon running side.
What keeps you at the Verneuil site?
Verneuil is a beautiful place in the middle of the countryside! I've met many people, all of whom have given me a lot. What's more, we're a small team of around 45 people, which strengthens bonds and provides a sense of goodwill and cohesion.
For me, Grands Moulins de Paris would be defined by these 5 values: know-how, sharing, authenticity, benevolence and safety, especially with CARE.
A woman in the position of Test Technician is still not very common, so what can you do about it?
For me, this is not necessarily a man's job, because I've only known women in this position. So I illustrate it as a mixed job.
I think we need to sweep away all the clichés and barriers to the Test Technician profession. There's no difference in accessibility for men and women. Quite simply, it's a job that's little known to the public!
If you want to change mentalities, you have to start at school! During my training (CAP), there were already few women, and job opportunities are not fully explained. In particular, we need to organize visits to mills so that people can find out about all the different trades.
This could encourage even more female vocations!
Today, we all have a role to play in promoting gender equality within Grands Moulins de Paris and the Vivescia Group. Little by little, changes are taking place, demonstrating the dynamic that has been put in place.
At the Verneuil site, gender diversity has taken root naturally.
I think that diversity is a great asset for a company, as it enables us to achieve great things and grow together.
