WorldSkills 2024, held in Lyon from September 10 to 15, once again celebrated the excellence of young technical talent from around the world. Among the prodigies at this event, Johan Beillevaire, a 20-year-old from Nantes, stood out in the equipment maintenance category, securing a silver medal for France. His achievement was the result of months of rigorous training, supported by dedicated trainers and the commitment of Haulotte Group, a major player in the competition.
Johan Beillevaire: Passion for mechanics and determination
Johan’s journey to WorldSkills 2024 began long before the global competition. A young man with a passion for mechanics, he first made his mark in the “Best Apprentice in France” (i.e Meilleur Apprenti de France, ‘MAF’) competition.
It was during the MAF medal ceremony that Johan discovered WorldSkills, and he immediately decided to take on the international challenge with dedication.
“I learned about WorldSkills during the MAF medal ceremony, and I’ve been preparing for it ever since,” Johan explains.
The competition is demanding, requiring advanced skills in hydraulics, electronics, and engines. Fortunately, Johan was not alone in this journey. His trainers were instrumental in his success, offering constant guidance and encouragement.
“This year of training was crucial. We prepared a lot, and this afternoon, I’m working on a Haulotte articulating boom—it’s perfect!” Johan shared before the competition.
In addition to his technical skills, Johan found inspiration from the global competitors he met.
“The most exciting part is to measure myself against the best talents from other continents. It’s a unique experience and it pushes me to excel and surpass myself,” he says proudly.
His determination led him to the podium, marking a pivotal moment in his young career.
The road to success in the Equipment Maintenance Competition
Johan’s achievement in equipment maintenance wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of Haulotte Group. As a leading manufacturer of articulating booms and other equipment, Haulotte was committed to fostering young technical talent throughout the competition.
Laurent Royannez, Director of Haulotte France, emphasizes the importance for the company to support such events, which promote technical excellence:
“For Haulotte, it was crucial to participate in WorldSkills. This event represents the future of technical trades and showcases the high quality of the young talent being trained today.”
Haulotte Group’s commitment to technical excellence at WorldSkills
Haulotte’s involvement in WorldSkills goes far beyond mere support. The company actively supports technical training through partnerships with schools and apprenticeship centers.
Collaborating with Johan allowed him to refine his skills on Haulotte’s cutting-edge machines.
“It’s a great source of pride to see these young talents showcasing their expertise on our articulating booms,” adds Laurent Royannez.
Dedicated trainers who fuel the success of young talents
Behind Johan’s success was a team of dedicated coaches. Bruno Monglon, a WorldSkills international expert, guided Johan throughout his preparation. For him, the essence of this competition is to raise the technical level of young talent.
“My role is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our candidates and to help them improve. It’s a long-term job, but essential to their success”, he explains.
He has also been supported by Yannick Trotot, technical coordinator at Haulotte, whom he thanks for his involvement:
“He has always been very present in Johan’s preparation, a real driving force behind his success”.
Lucien Boutantin, Johan’s trainer from the start, remembers with pride how far his former apprentice has come.
“Johan is an extremely serious young man, who takes every piece of advice to heart and never shies away from a challenge. He has this passion that drives him to constantly progress,” testifies Lucien.
This support, both human and technical, has been decisive in Johan’s success.
WorldSkills: A launchpad for future maintenance careers
WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a stepping stone for young professionals like Johan who are building their careers through a passion for technical trades.
“Maintenance is a dynamic field, with fascinating machines and rapidly evolving technologies,” explains Bruno Monglon.
For Johan, this silver medal is just the beginning. He is already looking to the future, strengthened by this unique experience and the recognition he’s earned through his hard work.
Thanks to his talent, the support of his trainers, and Haulotte’s commitment, Johan Beillevaire has taken a major step in his career. His journey highlights the importance of mentoring, training, and the role of companies like Haulotte in developing the technical excellence of tomorrow.
Congratulations to all 3 winners in the « Heavy Vehicle Technology » category!
From left to right: Silver medal for Johan Beillevaire, France / Gold medal for Cedric Lang, Switzerland / Bronze medal for Birgitte Brunsgaard Jacobsen, Denmark