Testimonial - Jean-Claude Kytouca
Electrician and Project Manager , 3rd Degree Energy Companion (champion)A specialist in railway signaling, Jean-Claude is one of 350 Compagnons des Énergies at Equans France. These passionate employees embody valuable values and are keen to pass on their expertise.
“ I joined Bouygues Energies & Services via ETDE (electricity transmission and distribution company). Originally from Le Havre and trained as an electrician, I have mainly worked in railway signaling. I create and renovate all the devices that help to streamline and secure train traffic. It's a job that has taken me all over France as I've carried out my assignments. ”
Can you tell us more about the Compagnons des Énergies order, to which you belong?
In 1963, Francis Bouygues created the Compagnons du Minorange order (named after the anti-rust coating used on the company's equipment) based on the Compagnons du Devoir model. The idea was to build worker loyalty by recognizing their expertise. Today, at Bouygues, there are around 900 members of the Order: they demonstrate excellence in their work and generosity in passing on their knowledge and skills. Since joining the Bouygues group, Equans created its own circle in 2023: the Order of the Compagnons des Énergies.
And you, how did you become a Compagnon?
I was spotted by my colleagues at the beginning of my career. They suggested I join the Order... even though I didn't know exactly what it was! At first, I thought it was a bit like a “radio ballast”: workers who act as relays for management to find out how things are going on the construction sites. Then I realized it was anything but that. The Order of Compagnons is a collective of people recognized for their values. I like the idea that work is not limited to the completion of a task: there is also a form of elevation and sharing. Beyond a job well done, we want to learn from others and, in turn, pass on what we know.
What does being a Companion mean?
First, you get one star, then two, then three, and finally you become a champion. That's what happened to me. In the field, my stars appear as badges on my work clothes or as stickers on my helmet. Being a Companion does not entail any financial benefits: it is an honorary title that I am very proud of.
Do the Compagnons work with other Compagnons?
Of course! Companionship means sharing a lot of time together. Literally, a companion is someone with whom you share bread... When there are other Compagnons on a job site, I am very happy. I know that our mission will go smoothly because my colleagues work with rigor and passion. And even when they take off their overalls, they remain Compagnons. This spirit of high standards never leaves us: we continue to convey it naturally. We also express our sense of mutual support and desire to set an example outside of work with our loved ones and through our various volunteer commitments.
How does the Compagnons de l'Outil approach the challenges of tomorrow?
It's clear that everything is changing and that we need to adapt. There's climate change, the advent of AI... As Compagnons, we are facilitators. We must therefore be pioneers in these areas, embodying them within the company and passing them on. Being a Compagnon means knowing that we don't just build structures. We also “build” people: they are the ones who will shape technology, not the other way around.
How can we inspire younger generations to choose careers at Equans?
By visiting high schools, for example, as I often do, to share some of my passion with them. Today, I'm working on the EOLE project to connect La Défense to Mantes-la-Jolie via the RER E. Tomorrow, it will take only 40 minutes to get from Mantes to the business district, compared to 55 minutes today. And it will be a completely carbon-free mode of transport! It's something I can be proud of, and something I enjoy talking about.
