2023-10-03 11:17:53
There are the metal elevators with magnificent ironwork, a wooden cabin that smells of the Roaring Twenties and Art Deco, there are those from the 1970s and 1980s with more carpet and large orange buttons, those entirely in glass that run along a wall and finally the latest ones with huge screens on each side, like in a palace on the banks of the Seine, which give you the illusion of being outside.
Elevators are almost everywhere and as numerous as they are different. And of course, you need people to install and maintain them. “We estimate our needs between 1,000 and 1,500 technicians each year to cope with the retirement of the baby boom generation,” underlines Alain Meslier, the general delegate of the elevator federation.
France is not one of the best equipped countries – “there are 8 devices per 1,000 inhabitants compared to 23 per 1,000 in Spain”, specifies the spokesperson – but it is still necessary to take care of some 630,000 to 640 000 devices in service.
A new BTS to go further
This is the mission of the 250 companies in the sector, VSEs, SMEs or large groups. Thus, 70% of the elevator market is dedicated to maintenance while construction and therefore new only represent 15 to 20%. An activity that is also very Ile-de-France. Indeed, the Paris region alone concentrates 50% of the existing fleet.
Companies therefore need elevator engineers: qualified technicians to get started. Skills in electricity, electronics, hydraulics or mechanics are necessary in order to then act on a daily basis in buildings for maintenance, approximately every six weeks, or resolve breakdowns.
The level of qualification has evolved. “There are professional baccalaureates, technological baccalaureates with, for 20 years, an additional mention of one year after the diploma to specialize,” explains Alain Meslier. But we also realized that under pressure from parents, their teachers but also by their own will, young people wanted to go even further. A year ago, we launched a BTS, in partnership with National Education. Twelve high schools have been offering it since the start of the school year. »
With this training, the young person goes from the status of high school student to that of student, often on a work-study basis. This new offer allows us to go further in the digitalization aspect of the profession, on remote alarms, screens, etc. Because experts can now know about breakdowns remotely and intervene. But for all this, you have to understand electronics.
From the apartment building to the Eiffel Tower
However, a young graduate is not left alone as soon as he is hired. It takes three to five years in a pair for them to become independent and then be able to be comfortable in their interview rounds. “We are here to check that everything is going well because there can be lots of sources of damage such as moving,” notes Valer Bologa, maintenance manager at Acorus-Technibat. This profession is made up of predictable things like interviews but also others with suspense. We must identify a fault and for this, we must be curious and perseverant. And then, as we work in buildings, being a good technician is good, but you also need to have good relationships with the client, the residents. Every day is different and we can work in an office building as well as in exceptional sites. It’s hard to be bored. »
And the general delegate of the elevator federation adds: “I am in the life of the building, that’s what the elevator engineer says. And that’s true. He can delay a procedure to allow someone to go to their doctor. Over time, he knows each other’s habits because he speaks with them. »
Other important factors: remuneration and developments. For someone starting out, it takes between 24,000 and 27,000 euros gross per year and up to 40,000 or 42,000 euros for an experienced technician. But above all, there are numerous possibilities to move within your company by becoming a team leader or even by joining the commercial side. Last but not least: it is imperative to have your driving license…
It’s up to you: more information on to get an idea of the profession with explanations, tutorials, videos on training.
HE IS HIRING
Emmanuel Boulay, HR Director of Drieux-Combaluzier
It is the leader in custom elevators in Paris, an institution. Since 1947, the Drieux-Combaluzier house has combined tradition and innovation to stand the test of time. From its first creations of solid wood cabins to 3D virtual reality and predictive maintenance, including its wrought iron pylons, the company has been able to reinvent itself while preserving its DNA and its original know-how.
Profiles. “We are looking for candidates who have significant experience in a technical environment, ideally in the elevator, door automation and access control, heating or similar sectors… They must have recognized interpersonal skills and a culture of satisfaction and customer loyalty, explains Emmanuel Boulay, HR Director of Drieux-Combaluzier. We expect our future hires to be managerial and autonomous, but also pragmatic and rigorous. It is also important to master computer tools. This position is aimed at elevator professionals or holders of an electrotechnical baccalaureate/BTS, pro EIE baccalaureate, MSMA or equivalent with a driving license. »
Compensation. “The remuneration package is attractive and consists of a fixed portion over 13 months of between 25,000 euros and 30,000 euros gross per year, to be negotiated according to profile and experience. We offer initial and continuing training (safety, electrical authorizations, technical/maintenance of TK Elevator products, etc.). Finally, we also have group mutual insurance, participation and profit-sharing, meal allowance, on-call and blue wash bonuses, smartphone and service vehicle for our employees. »
Evolutions. “In the medium term and depending on the potential of the future recruit, developments are possible towards positions of expert technicians or management of technical teams (customer service manager). »
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