19 year old Lisa Guilbert has a nuclear maintenance vocational diploma from Lycée Emulation Dieppoise is now in the final year of her nuclear environment HND. Under the watchful eye of her mentor, Guillaume Robin, she’s continuing her apprenticeship at EDF as part of the risk prevention team at Penly nuclear power plant near Dieppe. Let’s take a look at multiple perspectives about a trade that matters and has a future.
How Nuclear Training Helped Shape a Career in Risk Prevention
Lisa Guilbert: I went to college at Lycée Blaise Pascal, in Rouen, but I had no career plans. My brother introduced me to the Nuclear Power Plant Maintenance vocational diploma at Émulation Dieppoise. He’d done the same course and told me to find out more. I was very worried when I first started: I was the only girl in my class when I switched to the course in my second year! But it was a pleasant surprise to see lots of women working at Penly nuclear power station, where I did my sandwich year at the end of the course. Everyone was friendly and I felt much better; everyone’s welcome in this industry.

Once I got my diploma, I continued my studies with a Nuclear Environment HND at Lycée Pablo Neruda in Dieppe, which confirmed nuclear was right for me. You learn a lot in class about electricity, civil engineering, mechanics, physics, chemistry etc. It covers a lot of areas.
Guillaume Robin: I’m 36 and I’m the first-line manager in the risk prevention team at Penly nuclear power plant. I first experienced QHSE (quality, hygiene, safety and environment) during my degree. After applying my electrical engineering HND to my 10 years working at Enedis, I wanted to go back to QHSE which I’d studied during my bachelor’s degree… In 2018, I was transferred from EDF to Penly nuclear power plant as a risk prevention technician, then I worked as head of planning and head of projects. I’ve been first-line manager with a team of 36 since January 2024.
What do you like about the job?
Guillaume: A nuclear power plant is a very specific industrial site, there are lots of risks involved and we have to ensure all the rules that apply to the industry are followed to the letter to keep people safe, protect their interests and belongings. Electricity is now a public service and I like that it’s my job to take care of producing the energy that brings our country to life.

Lisa: There are also lots of different areas of expertise, which means lots of different careers. We provide support in terms of radiation protection, fire and safety, we conduct a lot of checks to ensure the public isn’t exposed to the contents of power plants, alongside inspections for contamination, radiation, clean equipment when you move between areas… it’s very varied and I love the sense of team work and working with other departments. No two days are the same, there’s always something new. For example, one day I may be checking that the operators have their fire permit and up-to-date equipment, the next I may be inspecting the guardrails. I never think I’m useless; what I do matters.
There's no routine to the job, you have to enjoy surprises and always be ready to experience something new.
Which skills do you need to succeed?

Guillaume: I’d say diplomacy and patience, strength in your belief and an eye for detail to spot hazardous or potentially risky situations.
Lisa: You need to be sociable and enjoy working as a team, because you’re never on your own. It’s crucial to enjoy your job, be curious and open to trying new things you no little or nothing about.
How do you think your job will change in the future?
Lisa: I think the nuclear industry will carry on growing, especially with the EPR 2 coming to Penly and providing new opportunities.
Guillaume: And given how things are progressing, technology will certainly help us ramp up safety.
What are Normandy’s assets for your industry?
Guillaume: With the Penly, Paluel and Flamanville power plants, Normandy is a real nuclear hotspot with two new EPR 2 reactors being built in Penly. There are already a lot of positions available in several fields. Plus Normandy is packed with history and heritage. The weather may not always be great, but it’s a great place to live!

Lisa: Normandy is a land of energy and near the sea. There are lots of power plants nearby, e.g. Paluel, Flamanville and the upcoming EPR 2 in Penly. I think it’s a proactive region with lots of opportunities in industry and the nuclear sector. I love my hometown of Rouen, I’m near the city centre so I love living here! And working near the sea is cool too (laughs).
Tell us about the Fem’energia prize. What is it exactly?

Lisa: The Fem’energia prize is a national award celebrating women in nuclear. I had to describe my career path and aspirations. I found out I was in the top three finalists out of fifty participants in August 2023, then I won at the ceremony in November. It was a pleasant surprise. It’s important recognition for me and I’m proud that I was encouraged to take part by my college, Émulation Dieppoise. The award from EDF and WIN France celebrates women throughout the industry, from new graduates to women with over 10 years of experience.
Lisa is a shining example. I'm so proud of her. She's been on an impressive journey and this is just the start!
What would you say to any young adults, especially women, who are unsure about working in industry or nuclear?
Guillaume: Go for it! You’re going to love it! Apprenticeship is a golden opportunity because you get to learn about a trade and experience the world of work. Apprentices are paid and get the same advantages as employees. As a manager, I see it as a hotbed for future talent.
Lisa: Always believe in yourself and don’t worry about what people think, even if it is a man’s job traditionally. Believe in your ability and see what you can do!
Thematics