GOUJON Alexis; intern at InnoRenew CoE; Main area of research: Method Maintenance engineering, industrial engineering, and industrial strategy development.

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

I am originally from Aix-en-Provence, France, where I grew up, but now I live both in Lyon for my school and in Albert for my apprenticeship company.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

Passionate about everything that flies since a young age, I love designing and building all kinds of remote-controlled model aircraft. Engineering was the ideal path for me to continue being creative in the professional world. Thus, I am pursuing an industrial engineering course specializing in aeronautics. I first worked for DASSAULT FALCON SERVICE (DFS) as an aircraft maintenance technician trainee, and then I joined AIRBUS for my three-year engineering program with my school CESI.

An entrepreneur at heart, I also created my first company at the age of 17. I was one of the first importers of electric scooters in France on a small scale and sold connected backpacks. Later, I diversified my activity to offer business creation consulting and web development services. After the pandemic I decided to stop this activity to focus on my studies.

Today, I have a new micro-entrepreneurial activity: I am a professional videographer. If you want, I’ll be happy to show you some of my realizations.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

To put it simply, as an apprentice engineer at AIRBUS, I am responsible for maintenance on a fully automated production line that produces structural parts for various Airbus aircraft programs, as well as on-demand parts for aircraft in need of repair.

My role is to ensure the proper functioning of the industrial equipment and to continuously improve it by implementing modern technologies that eliminate obsolescence and reduce industrial risks associated with this production line.

Given the critical nature of my mission at AIRBUS, I have the privilege of working daily with the Co-site of AIRBUS Atlantic Méaulte. Thanks to my work, I have also been entrusted with an additional mission in industrial strategy development.

• What makes you excited about your work?

Airbus is the world leader in commercial aviation, a company I have admired since my childhood. Simply working for such an esteemed organization motivates me every day to continually improve! Moreover, the challenging nature of my mission stimulates and drives me to excel in my work.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

 I would say that managing a team of several people and having the responsibility to ensure the operation of a production line with a budget of several million euros is quite a challenge. However, for me, the biggest challenge is meeting the expectations of the co-site with whom I work, as they have been leading this magnificent factory for years.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

I am fascinated by SpaceX, founded by Mr. Elon Musk, because through this private company, we can push the boundaries of what we know by reigniting the space exploration conquest.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

Of course, I admire all forms of art. However, as an extreme sports enthusiast, I have always filmed all my adventures, so I would say I particularly admire content creators who focus on the outdoors and sports.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

I recently watched the movie “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” for the sixth time.

• Describe your very first impression of Slovenia.

First, when I arrived in Slovenia, what struck me the most was not being able to understand anything the locals were saying. However, I find the people very welcoming and patient in explaining things in English. Additionally, I love that Slovenia is close to everything; I feel like I can do anything here without difficulty.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

Practicing extreme sports excites me a lot! For example, today I am a mountaineer and paraglider, and these sports teach me to channel my energy, concentrate, be aware of my environment, and push my limits. But above all, mountaineering, especially in high mountains, teaches me to manage lives and to give and earn trust with others in my climbing team. Additionally, I practiced high-level Parkour for seven years, which taught me the true meaning of discipline and self-improvement.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

When my mother passed away last year, I decided never to keep inside what I wanted to say again. I was fortunate to be able to tell my mom how much I loved her before she left us. Today, I draw from this difficult experience the understanding that it’s important to speak out, to always be honest with others, and to address problems before they escalate.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

As you can see, my background is entirely different from the field of activity at InnoRenew CoE. But that’s exactly what I was looking for! I needed to see something different in my education, so why not a research center working on one of the most noble and ancient materials used by humans?

This brings me to say that wood has its charm due to its millennia-old history, the way it can be transformed to create anything we desire, and the fact that I’ve been making balsa wood airplanes since I was a child. In the end, aeronautics isn’t that far removed from wood, as the first airplanes were entirely made of it. Even today, the small company Robin Aircraft in France continues to use it! Additionally, its warm color and texture make it a cozy element that constantly reminds us of nature.