At Pouliquen, our commitment to young people is more than just words. For several years now, we have made training young people a priority, welcoming interns, work-study trainees and young professionals in our various departments. This approach, which is rooted in our company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy, reflects an ambitious vision: to actively contribute to the professional integration and development of the talents of tomorrow.
Victor, an example of this dynamic
Among the young people who have recently joined our company, Victor, student in the second year of higher education in international trade, embodies this ambition. Passionate about international relations and attracted by the agricultural sector, which he knows well thanks to his family background, he chose Pouliquen for his six-week internship. For him, it was the ideal opportunity: “Pouliquen is a local company with international activity. I was immediately won over by the idea of discovering the dial and working at the heart of the vegetable production basin.”
Joining the sales department, Victor was soon faced with concrete challenges. His tasks included preparing the company’s participation in the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin (a mission successfully completed), carrying out prospecting and even making his first sale. ‘I was so happy, it was like scoring my first goal in football!’ he says enthusiastically. Working mainly in English for the Eastern and Northern European markets was also a highlight of his experience, and allowed him to progress in a stimulating environment.
Beyond the tasks, Victor appreciated the supportive guidance of his team. ‘Gérard and Stéphanie gave me a lot of autonomy while supervising me. It is rare for a company to let an intern manage prospecting, sales and even customer follow-up, because the company’s image is at stake. They were very educational, and I learned a lot.’
A structured and inclusive welcome policy
If Victor quickly felt at ease, it is largely thanks to our rigorous induction policy. Each new arrival, whether trainee or employee, begins with a full tour of the company. ‘It is important for us that our employees have a comprehensive overview of the business and meet the teams’, explains Gérard Quillevéré, director of Pouliquen. Then a mentor is appointed to support the young person in their assignments and integration. This person also acts as a liaison with the school or training organisation.
At Pouliquen, the tasks entrusted to young people are far from trivial. The objective is clear: to enable them to put their knowledge into practice, acquire new skills and make a real contribution to the life of the company. ‘We take care to adapt the tasks to the level and desires of each individual, while offering additional assignments to help them progress,’ explains Gérard Quillévéré.
Training young people: a mutual benefit
But why such an investment in training young people? For Gérard, the answer is obvious: ‘Training young people is part of a company’s mission. We must open doors for them to help them gain experience and refine their career plans.’ This approach also brings a real breath of fresh air to the company. The presence of young people, with their new ideas and fresh perspective, encourages the teams to challenge themselves and try out new methods.
‘It’s also very rewarding for us to be involved in the transfer of knowledge and to help young people train for the future,’ he adds.
A commitment that goes beyond internships
At Pouliquen, the commitment to young people does not stop at welcoming trainees and work-study students. We regularly organise visits for high school and university students, collaborate with schools on tutored projects and also participate in degree juries. These initiatives demonstrate a strong desire to be a player in training and professional integration in the region.
Training the talents of today and tomorrow
With around fifteen young people welcomed as interns, on work-study programmes or in their first job over the past five years, Pouliquen proves that a medium-sized company can play a decisive role in the transmission of knowledge and the support of talent.
Investing in young people is not just about preparing for the future, it is also about building a more dynamic, more inclusive and more innovative present. A philosophy that echoes Victor’s words: ‘At Pouliquen, they trusted me. It’s motivating and makes you want to excel.’ A win-win commitment, in short.