FRENCH MINISTRY OF LABOR INAUGURATES THE MECHANICAL EXCELLENCE CONTEST AT THE ALPINE F1 TEAM FACTORY

The French Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Economic Inclusion, represented by Patrick Toulmet, Interministerial Delegate for the Development of Apprenticeship Policies in Local Government Priority Districts, visited the Alpine F1 Team factory in Viry-Châtillon, where Formula 1 engines are developed. They were joined by Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine, and Cyril Dumont, Director of Facilities and Operations.

In the lead up to the official launch of the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Constest, the Ministry was keen to meet with the sole France-based Formula 1 team and spoke with engine manufacturers and engineers to understand better the high level of expertise and precision required for both professions.

During their conversation, several students from the FDME Learning and Training Centre in Évry were able to talk with the Ministry and the Formula 1 team. Alpine would like to show that the automotive sector is one with promising career paths, by promoting the value of work placement and hands-on apprenticeships for young women and men.

Laurent Rossi, CEO Alpine: "Alpine has been designing and developing high-performance engines in Viry-Châtillon for more than 40 years. While the brand strives to be at the forefront of innovation and technology, it also proudly supports the younger generations. This is the mindset that guided our decision to create the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Competition. Inclusion, transfer of skills and knowledge and equal opportunities are all values that we wish to impart upon young people in automotives. I am honoured to have welcomed the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Economic Inlcusion, represented by Mr Patrick Toulmet, here to speak with our teams, to learn more about what we do, and to inaugurate the very first edition of this contest that is so close to our hearts."

AN INCLUSIVE COMPETITION

The competition, born of a coming together of Alpine and the Ministry of Labour, has included many stakeholders throughout its journey from the intial idea to its deployment: the Ministry of Labour through work with the Interministerial Delegation for the Development of Apprenticeship Policies in Local Government Priority Districts, the National Association for Automotive Training (ANFA), the Operator for Skills in Mobility-specific Professions (OPCO Mobilités), the Chamber of Trade and Craftsmanship (CMA France), and Renault Group. Alpine would like for the competition to become a permanent fixture and to create new collaboration opportunities that will enhance the overall experience for the young candidates.

Equal opportunities is a fundamental feature of the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Competition. To ensure that all applicants are given the same chance of success, neither their financial capacity, nor where they live or learn should impede anyone from taking part in the competition. As such, any travel and accommodation costs incurred by candidates, even during the program, will be covered by Alpine.

One of the people involved in the project is Esteban Ocon, who joined the Alpine F1 Team in 2020. His personality and values made him a natural choice of ambassador for Alpine, while his background, experience and maturity all contributed to making him the ideal mentor for the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Competition.

The winning pair will be offered a three month internship at the Alpine F1 engine assembly shop in Viry-Châtillon, where they will work on the Formula 1 engine for the 2022 season. The internship could then even lead to an apprenticeship contract for each of the two winners.

Main dates for the competition:

• 11 – 19 January: registration (unlimited number of places).

• 3 February, from 5 pm to 6 pm: theory-based general knowledge test (72 pairs of shortlisted applicants).

• 25 February to 11 March: regional practical tests (9 pairs selected, i.e., one per assessment centre).

• 1 – 2 April: final stage at the Alpine F1 Team site in Viry-Chatillon (1 winning pair).

Patrick Toulmet, Interministerial Delegate for the Development of Apprenticeship Policies in Local Government Priority Districts: “We created this competition together with Alpine as a great opportunity for apprentices or high school students in the mechanical sector to discover the world of Formula 1 thanks to an internship with this prestigious team. Girls, boys, young people from priority districts, rural areas or students from overseas territories; everyone has their chance in this challenge. It was important for us to remove all barriers that could prevent a young person from entering the excellence of the motorsport industry and living their dream."