Meet Lionel

Skill Development Manager
Airbus Helicopters
France

Airbus Faces - Meet Lionel

What is your current role and where are you based?

I am currently based at the Airbus Helicopters site in Paris where I work on developing the skills of our workers. 

Airbus has allowed me to develop in a technical profession and to improve my skills. The company offers a wide diversity of professions at all levels of study, which allows everyone to find their place. I highly recommend young people to join Airbus if they want to work in an environment requiring rigour and commitment.

How long have you been working at Airbus?

I have worked at Airbus for 23 years now.

Which aircraft/products are you working on?

Currently, I do not work directly on a product because I support employees in developing their skills. However, having a boilermaking background, I have worked on several elements of helicopters: leading edges to form, tips to weld, ground braids to tin and then work on the SOKO fins.

The values ​​of team spirit and transmission of know-how are the reasons that pushed me to spend my entire career at Airbus.

What inspired you to be a part of the aerospace sector?

I completed my military service in naval aviation based in Paris, as Quartermaster 2nd Class. The military environment made me want to work in a defense environment. We manufacture  rotor blades for the production of our military helicopters.

Concerning the beginning of your career path at Airbus - what was the main drive that led you to apply and be part of this company?

I am specialised in a manual, fairly technical profession. Quality of work, rigour and team spirit are important values ​​for me. When I joined Airbus, I found these values ​​and felt comfortable in an environment that suited me.

Tell us about one of the most memorable experiences from your career at Airbus.

What made it so special and unforgettable?

My greatest accomplishment was participating in the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competition for outstanding workers in France, and winning first prize for the Boilermaking category in 2007. Airbus supported me in this process, because  I had to invest over 1500 hours of work for the project and I was allowed to use the company premises for this.

After spending several years as a blue-collar worker in our helicopter factories, I particularly enjoy today sharing my know-how and experience with young people and with people retraining with us.

What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to give?

When you see an opportunity available to you, don't hesitate to take advantage of it.

What are the benefits of working at Airbus?

We work in a company which has a strong commitment to safety and are trained and equipped accordingly.

In what way do the values of Airbus relate to your own?

The values ​​of team spirit and transmission of know-how are the reasons that pushed me to spend my entire career at Airbus.

Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?  

I am very committed to transmission and support, particularly for young people living in disadvantaged environments. I am involved with associations and am notably a mentor of the Meilleurs Apprentis de France programme, for the best apprentices in France. At the same time, I love sport! In particular, I do cross-fit very regularly and paragliding.