I would say there were two main phases. During my three-month internship in the second year of my degree, I mainly worked on updating documentation, which helped me gain a solid understanding of the company’s processes. BLOCALPS’s documentation system is structured according to ISO 9001 standards, which made it much easier for me to integrate quickly.
I then continued with an apprenticeship, during which my responsibilities were very diverse. I managed non-conformities, ensured ADR compliance for products such as the Mobicuve and a mobile gas transport trailer recently developed by the R&D department. I also carried out regulatory monitoring on ICPE product compliance and evolving regulations.
Another part of my work focused on improving product quality through the coordination of a Quality improvement project. This included creating a defect database, drafting certification sheets for piping systems, and implementing assembly procedures for containerized fuel stations. I also wrote a shipment tracking procedure to clearly define responsibilities and ensure customer satisfaction during deliveries.
Finally, I had the opportunity to supe
rvise a second-year QLIO student, which was very rewarding. Passing on what we have learned is essential.
Above all, I wanted to work in a company with a manufacturing workshop, ideally close to home. While searching in the area between Annecy and Chambéry, I discovered BLOCALPS, a family-owned SME specializing in the design and manufacture of custom-made products. What particularly caught my attention was their specialty: containerized fuel stations manufactured without welding. Quite unusual, isn’t it?
BLOCALPS is a human-sized company where it is easy to interact with every department. Collaboration is smooth, and most importantly, the atmosphere is great!
What I appreciated most was the supportiveness of the team. Everyone helped and guided me throughout these 12 months. The versatility of my position was also a major advantage. I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of topics, including regulations and product quality. While this variety can make it more challenging to focus on a single issue for an end-of-apprenticeship report, it was extremely enriching.
I was also fascinated by BLOCALPS’s flagship product: the containerized fuel station. It is a unique product with many applications, and working on it was truly exciting.
An apprenticeship is the best way to gain professional experience because you are immersed in the business world almost full-time. You see how things really work, and it is incredibly educational. I also enjoy being able to apply in the workplace what I learn in class. This experience helped me build confidence.
And of course, apprenticeships also provide financial support, which is a real advantage when you are a student.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions to fully understand how everything works! Personally, I often sought advice from the engineering department—so much so that they were probably getting tired of me by the end 😉. It is also important to stay curious, know how to look for information independently, and listen to experienced colleagues.
I am about to leave for Australia to discover the country and its culture while improving my English, which is essential for my future career. I plan to work there and finance my travels.
When I return, I intend to pursue a Master’s degree in Quality Team Management and Sustainable Development (MEQ2D) at the IAE Lyon, once again through an apprenticeship, with the goal of becoming a QHSE Manager.
Fair winds and following seas, Clément!
Clément has now arrived in Australia—here are a few postcards from his first days in the land of kangaroos!
