[Who are you and what is your role at Edvance today?]
My name is Camille, I’m 24 years old, and I am currently a Design and Contracts Engineer specialising in pipe supports.

[What were your responsibilities during your internship?]
I was responsible for starting the design of a pipe support, and I also prepared documentation consisting of a risk assessment in the event of a pipe rupture.

[Which skills have you developed the most at Edvance?]
I would say autonomy and self-confidence, particularly when dealing with technical subjects, as I had to take ownership of several of them.

[The turning point: when did you realise “I’m in the right place”?]
It was when I realised how much I enjoyed the subjects I was working on, and also when I found myself becoming very involved in my team’s discussions.

[How did your internship turn into a career opportunity?]
I think I demonstrated a great deal of motivation and genuine interest in the subjects I was given. I was also very curious throughout my internship and never hesitated to ask lots of questions.

[What advice would you give to someone who would like to join the adventure?]
Don’t hesitate, even if you feel that your profile may not perfectly match the requirements. And once you’re here, don’t be afraid to be curious, get involved and actively participate.

[Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?]

Hello, my name is Pierre-Marie Vermersch, and I have been an apprentice at Edvance since 2023.

I completed a science-focused secondary education programme with specialisations in Mathematics and Engineering Sciences. I then joined ECE Paris, an engineering school, through its integrated preparatory programme. Afterwards, I chose the apprenticeship route for the three years of my engineering degree.

That’s how I joined Edvance in 2023, following two interviews.

[What are your main responsibilities at Edvance?]

I work on a new nuclear project in the United Kingdom: the Hinkley Point C project.

My two main responsibilities involve cybersecurity.

The first is carrying out cybersecurity risk assessments on equipment that will be deployed in nuclear power plants. This involves understanding how the equipment operates, identifying potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and then finding ways to mitigate them and prevent their exploitation.

My second responsibility is developing a cybersecurity awareness training programme for new employees. The aim is to help them understand the challenges involved, the available protection measures, and the key contacts to reach in the event of an emergency.

[How has your apprenticeship helped you develop your skills?]

I would say that my apprenticeship has first and foremost helped me develop interpersonal skills, because working at university and working in a company are organised very differently.

It has taught me a great deal about professional behaviours, organisation and building relationships. Those are some of the first things I have learned through this apprenticeship.

Secondly, I have developed technical skills related to the implementation of cybersecurity within industrial environments, including an understanding of the different standards and regulations that govern the field.

I have also strengthened my language skills. As I work on a British project, I have significantly improved my English, which enabled me to successfully achieve my TOEIC certification this year.

[Do you have an anecdote to share about your experience at Edvance?]

While I was working on the training materials, one of my colleagues, who is highly experienced in industrial cybersecurity, reviewed my presentation, which included some rather bright and colourful visuals.

I remember him saying that it would help “dust off” the world of cybersecurity, which can sometimes be perceived negatively because of all the constraints associated with it.

That experience reminded me that apprentices can also bring the fresh perspective and energy of youth. Even though we are at the beginning of our careers, we can still make a meaningful contribution to the company through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and constructive exchanges with colleagues.

[How would you describe the working atmosphere at Edvance?]

The working atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and highly collaborative.

I get on very well with my colleagues, some of whom are around the same age as my older brothers. After every holiday, people often bring back local specialities to share with the team, which helps strengthen our relationships.

I also have a relationship of mutual trust with my mentor, which allows me to progress with confidence. We regularly discuss any challenges or obstacles I may encounter in my assignments.

He was himself an apprentice in the past, so he understands the realities and challenges of apprenticeship. He is also a recognised expert within the company, which means that whenever I have a question, I never hesitate to approach him or other colleagues for advice.

[What would you say to someone who is hesitant about starting an apprenticeship at Edvance?]

I would say: don’t be afraid to take the leap.

An apprenticeship offers a genuine, in-depth experience of company life because it takes place over a longer period of time.

During my apprenticeship at Edvance, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with a wide range of people across the organisation, from the Head of Communications and Human Resources teams to employee representatives and, more recently, the Chief Financial Officer.

What has impressed me most is how naturally and easily these connections can be made.

That accessibility, combined with the quality of the experience, is one of the many reasons I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship at Edvance to go for it.

[Hi, can you introduce yourself?]
Hi, I’m Bayann. I’m 29 years old and I’ve been working at Edvance for the past two and a half years as a Nuclear Piping Design and Analysis Technician.

[What is your background?]
Before joining Edvance, I didn’t know much about the nuclear industry. I started with a Mechanical Engineering diploma at CNAM, followed by a professional bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Space Structures, and even completed training with the French Air Force.

I then began my career working on aircraft engines, before moving on to acoustic coatings for submarines. It’s been quite a varied journey, but one always centred on engineering, technology and innovation.

[What does your job involve?]
Today, I work on new nuclear projects. I first contributed to the Flamanville 3 EPR project and now I’m working on the EPR2 programme, the next generation of French nuclear power plants, based here at the Lyon campus.

At the moment, we are carrying out the design studies for the EPR2 project. Within my team, we are responsible for designing piping systems and their supports, working closely with the analysis team.

To give you an idea of the scale, a single EPR2 unit requires more than 75,000 supports and 130 kilometres of piping. This represents a major step in reducing project risk.

At Edvance, and across the EDF Group, we have the opportunity to take part in immersion assignments. As you can see, I’m not currently at the Lyon campus but on the Flamanville site in Normandy.

For several months, I’ve been attached to a new team directly at the power plant, where I help resolve technical issues involving piping, supports, ventilation ducting and structural steelwork. It’s a rewarding experience that allows me to collaborate with professionals from many different disciplines.

It also gives me the opportunity to discover the day-to-day reality of working at a nuclear power plant, including the procedures and standards that must be followed, as well as how to enter and exit controlled areas.

As you can imagine, safety is paramount here, so we must wear our personal protective equipment and strictly follow all safety rules.

[A final word?]
Working in the nuclear industry gives you the opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects, tackle fascinating technical challenges and, above all, play a part in shaping France’s energy future.

It’s a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that is actively recruiting new talent.

So, are you ready to join the Edvance adventure?

[Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?]

My name is Thomas, I’m 22 years old and I graduated with a University Bachelor of Technology (BUT) in Civil Engineering in Lyon.

During my studies, I completed an internship at Edvance in my second year as a Civil Engineering Designer. This then led to an apprenticeship during my third year of study, also as a Civil Engineering Designer.

After graduating, I was offered a permanent position at Edvance as a Civil Engineering Designer.

[What are your main responsibilities at Edvance?]

The main objective during my apprenticeship was to carry out the migration of a civil engineering model from one software platform to another.

This involved identifying any inconsistencies, correcting them, and also carrying out tests on the catalogues.

[How has your apprenticeship helped you develop your skills?]

Thanks to my apprenticeship, I was able to discover what the world of new nuclear is like within a large company such as Edvance.

It also gave me the opportunity to apply, in a practical way, everything I had learned during my studies using industry software.

I was also able to discover a wide range of software tools that I had never used before and learn how to work with them.

And, more broadly, it allowed me to experience a completely new way of working.

[Do you have an anecdote to share with us?]

During my apprenticeship, my team placed a great deal of trust in me by giving me the responsibility of training a new intern on the software tools we use.

I taught her the basics of the software and helped her get started.

Through that experience, I learned how to train and support someone else, which is not necessarily something you learn during your studies.

[How would you describe the working atmosphere at Edvance?]

I would describe it as friendly and supportive.

[What would you say to someone who is hesitant about starting an apprenticeship at Edvance?]

Don’t hesitate, just go for it.

You do not always get the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in the nuclear industry, especially at a company like Edvance.

So take the chance.

What’s more, there are so many different fields and professions within the company that there is something to suit everyone.

[Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?]
Hello everyone, my name is Roan, I’m 21 years old and I’m currently an apprentice at Edvance.

I am in the third year of a University Bachelor of Technology (BUT) in Mechanical and Production Engineering at the Saint-Denis Institute of Technology, and I am now in my second year of apprenticeship within the P2S Group (the EPR2 Piping Analysis Team) at Edvance.

[What are your main responsibilities at Edvance?]
I work as an apprentice Cable Tray Support Analysis Technician.

To put it simply, I carry out structural calculations for supports used in electrical cable tray systems. On the one hand, I help develop and complete calculation charts, which contain information such as dimensions, configurations, acceptable operating conditions according to seismic spectra, and the environmental parameters that must be applied.

I also perform calculations for bespoke support structures used in more specific configurations that are not covered by these standard charts.

[How has your apprenticeship helped you develop your skills?]
One of the great things is that I was able to quickly connect what I was learning at university with the assignments I was given here.

I have developed new skills, discovered additional tools and software, and strengthened my proficiency in applications I was already familiar with, such as Excel and Teams.

The apprenticeship has really helped me gain perspective on what I learn at university and understand the real needs and expectations of the professional world and the workplace.

[How would you describe your professional relationship with your mentor?]
I believe there is a great balance within the team and with my mentor between professionalism and a positive working relationship, built on good communication and mutual understanding.

I know when I need to focus and work seriously, and we all understand our responsibilities. At the same time, I never feel hesitant about asking questions when I’m unsure of something or discussing any issue with him, because we all recognise that communication is essential.

[What would you say to someone who is hesitating about starting an apprenticeship at Edvance?]
First of all, I would encourage them to take the leap, because an apprenticeship is an incredibly rewarding experience.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn at university while also gaining early exposure to the world of work and company culture.

So don’t hesitate to choose an apprenticeship.

And if you do, aim high. Aim for the nuclear industry.

When you’re a student, being able to become part of the nuclear sector is truly inspiring. It gives you the opportunity to aim for the very best, to strive for excellence.

As I’ve always said: aim for excellence, surround yourself with excellence, and you will achieve it.

[Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?]

Hello, my name is Alice Villette and I am a Fluid Systems Engineer apprentice within the Systems, Contracts and Ventilation Department, currently working on the EPR2 project.

I completed a preparatory course in Mathematics and Physics, which I followed over three years. Afterwards, I decided to apply to Mines Paris through a work-study programme. This enabled me to join the ISUPFERE programme, where I am preparing a specialised engineering degree in Energy Engineering.

[What are your main responsibilities at Edvance?]

At Edvance, I mainly support engineers in the design and optimisation of auxiliary systems. These include systems such as demineralised water distribution networks and breathing air distribution systems.

More specifically, I am currently carrying out hydraulic simulations on part of the steam generator blowdown system network, as well as on the demineralised water distribution system. Later on, I will also be involved in drafting technical reports and supporting the sizing of system equipment such as pumps, valves and heat exchangers.

[How has your apprenticeship helped you develop your skills?]

My apprenticeship has helped me develop both technical and interpersonal skills.

From a technical perspective, I have significantly strengthened my knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and hydraulic simulation. The apprenticeship programme also provides a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life projects.

On a personal level, I have gained a great deal of autonomy and self-confidence. Working with multidisciplinary teams has greatly improved my interpersonal skills. When I first joined the company, I was quite reserved, and the apprenticeship has really helped me step outside my comfort zone.

[How would you describe your working relationship with your mentor?]

My relationship with my mentor is extremely rewarding. We have a very positive working relationship, and he has always been very supportive and attentive.

When I joined Edvance, I had no technical knowledge of EPR2 or SMR nuclear power plant systems. I was also somewhat overwhelmed by the many EDF acronyms that I did not necessarily understand when attending meetings. My mentor, along with the rest of my team, provided a great deal of guidance and support to help me settle into the role.

[What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship at Edvance?]

I believe it is an opportunity not to be missed. Edvance offers both an excellent learning environment and the chance to work on large-scale projects in a highly stimulating setting.

We also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from highly skilled professionals, including technical specialists, managers and recognised experts. You do not really feel the different layers of hierarchy, which makes communication and knowledge sharing much easier.

Hello everyone, my name is Tom Parent and I am a Commissioning Test Engineer on the Flamanville 3 EPR project.

So, the role of a Commissioning Test Engineer involves three main activities.

The first activity is writing test procedures. This is really about drafting the operating procedures used to start up the different systems.

The second activity is supporting our colleagues on site during the various activities carried out there. This gives us the opportunity to regularly work directly on the nuclear facility.

And the third activity, which comes after the first two, is reviewing the different tests that have been carried out to make sure they are fully compliant with what we have written.

So, these activities are carried out from three different perspectives.

The first is safety, both for equipment and for people. For most systems, it is the first time they are being started up, so we need to make sure we remain safe throughout all our activities.

The second perspective is compliance with requirements. This means verifying that our equipment is operating correctly.

And finally, the most important aspect is nuclear safety. It is about ensuring that all systems are ready for fuel loading into the reactor vessel.

So, towards the end of the year, we carried out the overall plant rehearsals. These are essentially full-scale rehearsals for the commissioning tests.

This means that all 150 systems of the power plant are operated together.

This will soon lead us to fuel loading into the reactor vessel and to reaching the EPR’s full output of 1,600 megawatts.

As a Commissioning Test Engineer, it is a real source of pride to contribute to bringing these 1,600 megawatts of low-carbon, dispatchable electricity onto the grid.

So, the work of a Commissioning Test Engineer is also highly collaborative, involving all of Edvance’s professions and areas of expertise, whether that is Contracts, Systems Engineering, or others.

Each of these interactions opens a window onto a different role that I could potentially do in the future.

So, joining Edvance means being at the heart of the nuclear industry of tomorrow.

Hello, my name is Charlotte Dienier. I have been working at Edvance for two years as a Fluid Systems Engineer, and I am responsible for the design of the nuclear island fire protection networks for the Hinkley Point C project.

This role involves carrying out studies in a variety of areas, including mechanical operation, sizing and hydraulics, as well as instrumentation and control. All of this work is closely linked to nuclear safety.

These activities allow me to manage numerous interfaces with the many teams and organisations also working within Edvance. What I enjoy most about my job is the wide range of technical aspects that we can quickly develop through discussions with experts to resolve challenging technical issues. I also have the opportunity to attend training courses related to nuclear safety. All of these activities really provide a comprehensive view of the engineering process and allow us to understand not only the technical challenges, but also the schedule and cost implications that such a project can entail.

Being a Fluid Systems Engineer is mainly an office-based role, but I had the opportunity to spend four months working on site as part of the Excell project, including an immersion at the Flamanville 3 site. This gave me a much better understanding of construction site dynamics and constraints, enabling me to improve the quality of our engineering studies and help prevent issues that technicians may encounter on site.

I will have the opportunity to further develop my skills and contribute my knowledge across the different projects in which Edvance is involved, whether in the field of fire protection systems or in other technical areas. I may also move into a contract management role, carry out equipment studies, and work with suppliers to identify and implement the most effective solutions.

Working at Edvance means having the opportunity to collaborate with people from a wide range of backgrounds in order to build the projects of tomorrow. Personally, nuclear engineering was not my original field of study, but I was able to develop my skills and knowledge very quickly thanks to the support and guidance of all my colleagues.

Hello everyone, my name is Martin Boissavit, and I am the manager of a team responsible for incident and accident operating procedures for the Hinkley Point C reactor in the UK.

My job is actually quite straightforward: it involves defining the strategies used to manage the power plant and enabling operators to know which equipment to use, and when to use it, in order to ensure the plant operates safely while protecting both the environment and the public.

Recently, we completed the final simulator validation campaign. This simulator-based campaign allows us to compare the theory, the documentation we have produced, and the strategies we have developed with practical simulation results. The simulator is a full-scope simulator in which all plant systems, the instrumentation and control systems, the electrical architecture, and the physical behaviour of the reactor are modelled using physical simulation codes. Bringing all these elements together allows us to determine whether or not we have successfully achieved the objectives we set through our strategies.

In terms of opportunities, there are plenty. Right now, the nuclear industry offers no shortage of opportunities, particularly in our field. With the launch of the EPR2 project and the new operating strategies that need to be defined, as well as the project in the Czech Republic involving the EPR1200 reactors, for which we will need to adapt our strategies to a slightly different reactor design and configuration, there are many exciting challenges ahead.

I believe that joining the nuclear industry today is a very relevant career choice. It is, of course, a rewarding choice in the context of tackling climate change. But it is also an extremely rich and fascinating field. The complexity of our industry is what makes it so interesting. It is a profession that involves a great deal of interaction with a wide range of stakeholders and one in which people can thrive both technically and personally. There are always new and exciting challenges to take on.