The O'TECH production schools are a network of 80 schools across France, with the federation based in Lyon, where local institutions and industries come together to create an association and train young people for jobs with a strong recruitment need.
These are all independent associations that follow a common pedagogy, that of “learning by doing.” “We somewhat reverse traditional pedagogy,” explains Bruno Batailly. “So our young people are recruited solely based on their motivation. We do not consider their academic background. We often say that we are made for young people who do not like to sit in a chair all day.”
This “learning by doing” is realized through two-thirds of the time spent in the workshop. The rest is reserved for general education, necessary to obtain their CAP, but especially related to their professional activity.
In Compiègne, they prepare for the profession of machinist, or more specifically, lathe operator-miller, boilermaker, and welder. At other sites, you can find training in market gardening, jewelry making, sawmilling, automotive, and textiles, always in connection with local needs.
"We train young people in real conditions, actual production conditions, since during these 2/3 of the time, they produce orders for real clients, which we actually invoice. This brings a sense of pride,” says Bruno Batailly.
Classes are limited to a maximum of 12 students, allowing for individualized pathways. Currently, there are nearly 2,000 young people in training across France.
These training programs initially help maintain jobs that are at risk of extinction in the territories, not to mention the upcoming retirements in the coming years. Another major challenge is reindustrialization.
"The goal is to continue developing a production school tailored to each territory. We hope to make our small contribution to reindustrialization,” concludes Bruno Batailly.
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