TDF's training/insertion center for fiber optic trades was officially inaugurated this Friday, February 8, in Baugé-en-Anjou. Through its subsidiary Anjou Fibre, TDF is developing employment in the Maine-et-Loire region and confirming its commitment to professional integration and training.
Deploying fiber optics in Anjou is an ambitious digital development project that requires a specialized, trained workforce. To support the companies selected by TDF, which need qualified personnel to roll out the infrastructure, TDF is opening three training centers dedicated to fiber optic trades, spread across the region: in Baugé-en-Anjou, Segré-en-Anjou Bleu and Doué-la-Fontaine. The purpose of these centers is to encourage local employment and support the career paths of people undergoing vocational integration, who can thus benefit from job opportunities. The project covers at least 120,000 hours of integration and 50,000 hours of training per year. The second center, in Segré-en-Anjou, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019.
The Anjou Fibre training center in Baugé-en-Anjou
Comprising classrooms and indoor and outdoor technical facilities, the Baugé-en-Anjou center provides theoretical training for the return to employment, as well as hands-on training in fiber optic professions (fitters, cable pullers, etc.).
Financing for the 700 square meter industrial building was shared between Anjou Fibre, a subsidiary of TDF and Banque des Territoires, and the Baugeois Vallée community of municipalities.
Meeting the labor needs of the fiber industry
Since October 2018, almost fifty trainees have already completed training courses to meet the growing needs of TDF's subcontractors, whose deployment work is underway. Nearly 2,800 hours of integration and 7,400 hours of vocational training were thus provided in 2018.
During the training courses already completed and in progress, 42 people are doing or will be doing an internship at 11 partner companies.
In addition to the newly-trained trainees, local companies also benefit from the center to enhance the skills of their employees. To date, employees from three companies have benefited.
Participating in the deployment of the fiber infrastructure is a unique human and professional experience. This large-scale project is designed to enhance the economic attractiveness of the region, particularly in rural areas, and contribute to the development of new activities in the fields of health, education, the environment and more.
Trainee testimonials
Kamel, a trainee from the skills training program, on an internship with BAGE: "I had a great week, doing box connections and welding. I learned a lot and I'm delighted to have been able to join BAGE, a very good company."
Jean-Yves, trainee from the initial training program, on placement at SANTRAC: "Thank you for introducing me to a new profession, as I'm a fan of new technologies.
The 100% fiber project in Anjou
The Anjou Fibre project company is responsible for deploying and operating the fiber optic network in low-density areas of Maine-et-Loire. A subsidiary of TDF and Banque des Territoires, Anjou Fibre aims to play a key role in the digital development of Maine-et-Loire, serving local authorities, businesses and the people of Anjou. The deployment of fiber will provide a faster, more reliable Internet connection, with speeds of up to one Gigabit per second. Between now and 2022, the project will see the installation of 220,000 outlets, providing residents and businesses in 100% of the region with a very high-speed Internet connection.
Cyril Gasc, Director of TDF's fiber division, said: "Having been entrusted with the deployment, operation and marketing of the fiber network in the rural areas of Maine-et-Loire, TDF is mobilizing the territory's resources. We need professionals to work together on this major fiber project".