Continuation of distance learning and validation of CQP nautical CQPs
Like all educational establishments, the INB, the main French training centre for the nautical professions, had to close its doors after the introduction of confinement in the face of the health crisis. However, the activity did not stop and new working methods were put in place. "All INB staff are teleworking. For learners, it has been relatively easy to organize distance learning courses for the technical-commercial sector. It's a bit more complicated for the nautical technicians," says Laurent Winisky, director of the INB. "We've given priority to dealing with the problems of those who leave the INB at the end of the year. We have just validated new methods for validating the CQP (NDLR :Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle) with the Nautical Industries Federation for the whole branch. We will organize the exams by distance learning, as well as a week of distance review. The important thing was to validate the CQP to be in the job for the season. For the cancelled practical modules of students who are continuing next year, it should be possible to make up for this by closing one week less in August, provided we have the month of June. (Editor's note: the interview was conducted before Emmanuel Macron's intervention announcing the closure of higher education until the start of the 2020/2021 academic year)"
Many work-study students were in companies when the institutions were closed to the public. Like many employees in the nautical industry, after a break, they found their way back to the companies. "During the first week of confinement, only two apprentices were working. Today, 70% of them go to the company, according to variable conditions. The most important thing is that there has been no breach of contract," says Laurent Winisky.
Organize recruitment and apprenticeship contracts
Spring is also the recruitment period for higher education institutions. The Director of the INB does not seem to be worried about the arrival of new students. Alternation could be more problematic. "Recruitment takes place all year round, although the peak is in April-May, when many forums have been cancelled. We continue to receive applications in a slightly lower volume, but I don't have any concerns. A selection date is planned for July. The point I am most concerned about is the difficulty in finding work-study contracts. It is difficult for candidates to contact companies that have other problems and are sometimes in doubt. If the season is good, with good weather and people can sail, it should be fine, otherwise there are more fears."
