They’re glad they chose to train at GRTgaz!

I have a fairly unusual background. I started off studying medicine, before switching to a research-focused masters in ergonomics. When I saw that GRTgaz was looking for an ergonomics apprentice for design projects within their RICE, I knew I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by! It was exactly what I was looking for: a research centre focused on solving problems related to the energy transition. For me, it was also the chance I had dreamed of to discover a whole new world in an industry of the future.

Honestly, I couldn't have dreamed of a better welcome! Starting from the first interviews, which were remote, I felt an immediate connection with the recruitment manager and then with my future mentors and colleagues in ergonomics. I felt like we were on the same wavelength and it was easy for me to make myself heard. There's great support too. My mentor always makes himself available for me. He makes time for us to talk whenever I need it, which has helped me figure things out when I'm having trouble. In ergonomics, we’re particularly interested in the quality of human connection. That’s maintained really well here. It’s one of GRTgaz’s strengths.

My apprenticeship is focused on a project around designing biogas production workstations. My role is to integrate ergonomics into their workstations. It’s a very advanced project: I analyse what currently exists, observe how the maintenance operators use the station, the work they are given, the challenges they face. Based on these observations, I identify areas for improvement to make their life easier.

I didn't expect them to entrust me with such an important project! France intends to create many more biogas jobs in the coming years. That’s a lot of responsibility. So I take my work very seriously. They've definitely trusted me! As a student, it's really inspiring to know that your work will have a real impact, and working in a research centre, and on a team that is both top-tier and very welcoming, there’s nothing better!

I didn't expect them to entrust me with such an important project! France intends to create many more biogas jobs in the coming years. That’s a lot of responsibility. So I take my work very seriously. They've definitely trusted me! As a student, it's really inspiring to know that your work will have a real impact, and working in a research centre, and on a team that is both top-tier and very welcoming, there’s nothing better!

Two months after starting degree in Foreign Languages at Valenciennes, I realised that the subject wasn’t for me! So I switched to a BTS in SME/SMI management, for which I had to find an apprenticeship. I had heard about GRTgaz through word of mouth. Then I saw a job posting on social media for an apprenticeship on the PMO (Project Management Office) team at the GRTgaz natural gas compressor station in Taisnières-sur-Hon (North). I applied and eventually got an interview.

First of all, I felt things were very clear during the interview, which gave me a good sense of the role and what they expected of me. When I arrived at the department in January, I felt welcomed right away. It might be a little thing, but my desk was ready for me and that showed that people were expecting me. Then they introduced me to the whole team and each person took the time to explain their role, it was a great way to be welcomed.

Not at all! Of course I did my research before going to the interview and starting my role. Now, I try as much as possible to understand what my colleagues do, I research, I listen, I learn every day. After all, I do work at the largest natural gas compression facility in France!

It's administrative. It ranges from updating directories to organising medical visits. But my most important task has to do with orders: I take orders for natural gas supply or larger orders, I get them signed, I receive them. This requires organisation and I like that. I never get bored.

Feeling useful and like I bring something to the business, even as an apprentice. I haven’t been here for long, but agents come see me to request services, I always something to contribute. There’s a real atmosphere of trust.

It's exactly what I was looking for: my role is focused on current events and the clean energy transition, I’m working on a real need and I see the impact of my work on a daily basis. Basically, it all makes sense! Another thing I really appreciate is being included in discussions that aren’t directly relevant to me, but that give me the chance to discover other aspects of the projects. They get me involved outside the scope of my role, it's great.

I'm an intern in the project division of the sales department, specifically on the hydrothermal gas production project, an emerging field focused on reusing organic material to produce syngas, or synthetic gas, which could be operational by 2023-2025. My first role is to collect data from a specialised service provider to create a database covering around 80 different inputs. My two other roles involve identifying the business model of sectors that reuse organic material and monitoring regulatory changes in this field.

I've always wanted to work on green energy solutions, it's a topic I've been passionate about for a long time. I discovered GRTgaz during my 4th year at university, during a talk that mentioned renewable gas energy development projects. So when it was time to find an end-of-studies placement, I looked up the job offers on the GRTgaz website, and I found this position which had everything I wanted and matched my skills perfectly!

During the interview, I was impressed by the level of rigour. My future mentor expected a lot of me and wanted to make sure I had what it took for the position. That gave me confidence. They wanted me to be responsible and proactive: an intern who would push forward and not be too academic. So much the better, that’s exactly what I wanted!

Absolutely. They give me responsibilities and freedom, and that makes me want to do my best. But at the same time, I feel very supported and I can count on the responsiveness of the people around me.

No, because I was lucky enough to spend a few days in the offices right at the beginning, which gave me the chance to meet my colleagues, and experience the atmosphere and way of working. This in-person contact really helped me get started. I've found a really welcoming, discussion-oriented culture here. I'm not left to fend for myself, far from it! Remote working isn’t a problem when you're given a little freedom and, like me, you're focused on doing a good job. It’s win-win, a virtuous circle: the more serious you are, the more they trust you...and the better you work.