At the initiative of the CGénial Foundation, a group of teachers was invited to visit the premises of the Arkema company in order to better communicate with their students about the sectors offered by the industry.
The Arkema site in Lannemezan recently welcomed teachers from the region as part of the “Teachers in business” operation, supported by the CGénial Foundation. Its regional delegate, Dorit Manelfe, was present to explain the objectives of these visits: “Thank you to Arkema for welcoming us. We are carrying out different actions to help people discover the local economic fabric and the reality of the professions. Teachers can then share this information with their students and encourage them to pursue careers that they would not necessarily have thought of. We can also bring professionals into the classes. This is also important to promote diversity in the industry and break gender stereotypes.
Teachers, managers and representatives of the colleges of Lannemezan, Tarbes and Montréjeau were there, as well as a representative of a temp agency. All were received by Jean-Claude Lansou, site director, and Émilie Platas, HR and communications manager.
This initiative aims to strengthen links between the educational world and industry, while offering a better understanding of scientific and technical professions.
An immersion in the heart of the industry
Throughout the morning, participants were able to discover behind the scenes of the industrial site. On the program: a presentation of the Arkema group by Ludivine and Philippe, who discussed professions and career paths for more than an hour, followed by a tour of the production facilities and support services.
A concrete opportunity to better understand the operation of a factory, the realities on the ground and the specificity of manufacturing: “The Lannemezan site, specialized in particular in the production of hydrazine hydrate and its derivatives based on hydrogen peroxide, plays a key role in several sectors such as water treatment, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and the manufacturing of blowing agents. These products are recognized for their performance and reliability, said those in charge.
A challenge of attractiveness for the industry
Immersion bears fruit: “80% of participating teachers believe that it allows them to better understand industrial professions and to promote these sectors to their students.”
An essential issue at a time when industrial companies are seeking to attract new talent.
This initiative is part of the group’s commitments to education, integration and inclusion. It also contributes to the “Terrains d’Entente®” program, which aims to strengthen dialogue with the territories and develop a lasting relationship of trust with local stakeholders.
Created in 2006 and recognized as a public utility, the CGénial Foundation works to promote science and technology among young people. Since 2008, its “Teachers in Business” program has enabled more than 22,000 teachers to participate in visits to more than 2,400 companies.
Present in nearly 55 countries and with more than 20,000 employees, Arkema is positioned as a major player in specialty materials, with a turnover of around 9 billion euros in 2025.
In Lannemezan, this openness to teachers illustrates the group’s desire to discover its professions and to encourage vocations among future generations.
