Alexandre Breton

French, age 24
Education: Engineering Graduate of Supélec, Economics & Business Management Engineering Graduate of IFP School (French Institute of Petroleum), France
Current post: Costing Tool Managment, Product Cost Analysis Department - Economic Projects - Corporate Control and Reporting
Site: Engineering Center, Technocentre (France)
Distinguishing feature: Loves cars and speaks Japanese

"A Supélec engineering graduate, I opted in the third year of specialization for a 2-year Economics & Business Management course at the IFP School. Based on a work-study apprenticeship this involves finding a partner company, which in my case was Renault: I was strongly motivated by the automotive universe and the Group's international dimension.

The apprenticeship lasts 22 months, during which we alternate between school and company at 3 or 4 month intervals. This type of course provides an applied study approach, as theoretical knowledge is constantly compared with realities in the company. So we gain a clearer insight into the corporate world and can make more mature career choices. What's more, Renault finances our training and pays us a salary. This is an ideal way of combining studies with financial independence.

My apprenticeship mission was to develop costing tools (technico-economic modeling), and to manage them in the context of the convergence between Renault and Nissan. During this period, I had another objective: to train cost analysts in the use of our main costing tool. These missions gave me an opportunity to develop my project management expertise, and to participate in intercultural working groups inside the Alliance, which is always highly instructive.

After a very warm welcome from the team, I was soon given interesting responsibilities and missions. Apprentices are valued and have real status: they are closely involved in the life of the company.

When I was hired at the end of my apprenticeship, I followed the introduction program RM0 (Renault Management Zero), which lasts 3 years, and gave me the opportunity of spending 3 weeks in a plant and 1 week in a dealership. This program is an effective contribution to our professional development, and to our understanding of the group's different professions.

Here we have all the advantages of a major company in terms of career prospects and working environment. Renault in particular gives its employees the opportunity to work in a variety of jobs throughout their career. Who knows what field I will be working in ten years from now?"