Propulseo is a mentoring scheme linking companies with students facing difficult circumstances, to help them access higher education opportunities. Omexom Tours made the decision to support his cause by signing a partnership with the association.  

Jeanne-Chantal, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Manager at LESENS Actéa, shares her experience as a mentor for the association. 

When and how did you find out about the Propulseo association? 

Jeanne-Chantal: It was less than a year ago through my HR manager, Maïta Joseph. The measures Propulseo was proposing matched what we wanted to do in our business. 

Could you describe the association?  

J.C.: Propulseo is taking action for disadvantaged students, fighting against inequalities in access to higher education. Members of the association connect students with professionals to help them get to grips with student and professional life, and provide financial support and advice. 
Propulseo is based in Lyon and has been in existence since 2021. Since then, it has provided more than €250,000 in grants to students.  

What pushed you to get involved with this association? 

J.C.: I am very aware of the issues of inclusion and helping others. When I was an engineering school student, I had the same questions that current students are asking: where to find work placements, how to enter the world of work, how to balance studies and finances, where to find jobs for students, etc. That’s why I decided to share my experience and my advice. 

What roles do you play within the association? 

J.C.: I support students throughout the year. We address different topics at our monthly meetings and other gatherings. During these sessions, I try to help my “Propulsee” with finding a placement, and we work on their verbal and non-verbal communication in interviews. I also try to answer their various questions and respond to their expectations about the world of work. 

What do you get from this experience? 

J.C.: Above all, it’s gratifying to be able to contribute, albeit in a small way, to reducing inequalities in access to training. On a human level, it’s important to me to share my experience and explain my job. I also take pride in the gradual progress the young person makes, because I feel I’ve contributed to that. 

What does solidarity, one of the five VINCI Energies values, mean to you? 

J.C.: For me, solidarity means identifying a person’s needs and meeting them without expecting anything in return. VINCI Energies is now giving me the opportunity to live up to this value outside our organisation, and by offering my time, advice and kindness to a student, who may even be a future recruit, contribute to their personal development.