Worldskills: new talents in metal roofing have compared their know-how

The candidates have the same time and the same tools. Only their know-how can decide between them. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

Assembling the different pieces is not an easy task. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

During cutting, candidates must be careful not to tear the metal sheet. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

No welding for this test: candidates must bend the metal parts. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

Les mesures et les tracés sont cruciaux pour réaliser un ouvrage parfait. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie

Ce mercredi 5 février 2025, le CMA formation de Mende accueillait l’épreuve régionale des Worldskills de couverture métallique. Une compétition au niveau relevé.

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Formerly known as the WorldSkills Olympics, the Worldskills competition allows young people under 23 to compare their technical know-how. A competition of excellence where more than 60 professions are represented, in fields as varied as construction, catering, industry, arts and crafts and even digital technology.

This Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the CMA formation of Mende hosted the regional event of the Worldskills Occitanie in metal roofing, a branch of the building industry specializing in the installation and maintenance of elements composed of metal sheets (zinc, copper, aluminum, etc.), in particular roofs or gutters.

Metal chimney surround by crimping

Four candidates – two from Lozère and two young people from Toulouse and Albi – were registered. Equipped with the same equipment, they had six hours to make the metal surround of a chimney by crimping. The competitors had to demonstrate all their talent to measure, trace, bend, cut, and assemble the parts without the slightest welding.

A delicate operation, which requires great precision. “You have to master the material and above all not tear it, otherwise there will be a big leak“, emphasizes Alain Morin, regional Worldskills expert and trainer at the CMA in Mende.

At the end of the day, the candidates' achievements were evaluated on a scale out of 100 points by a jury composed of two local craftsmen and a professional teacher. “We judge the precision of the tracing, the shaping and the overall achievement, specifies Alain Roux, one of the jurors. We also pay close attention to the waterproofing.”

A ticket to the national final

The winner will win a ticket to the national final of the 48th edition of Worldskills, in Marseille, from October 16 to 18, 2025. However, we will have to wait until the closing ceremony of Worldskills Occitanie, Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Dôme de Carcassonne, to know the results. A period that promises to be stressful for the candidates.

But whether or not they leave with a medal, the competitors know that they are promised a great career in their field. “If they are here today, it is not for nothing, supports Alexis Roux. It is a guarantee of quality and commitment to the profession.” The craftsman knows what he is talking about, since he himself was a Worldskills medalist in 2012. He does not rule out hiring one of the candidates at the end of the event…

A professional springboard

Alain Morin confirms the interest in participating in this type of competition: “It is something that can count on a CV. Companies are looking for qualified workers, it can be a big plus.” Especially since the specialty is in high demand: “A qualified worker in metal roofing will always find work, everywhere in France.”

In Mende, around twenty people are currently following this training.