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UK Engineer wishing to relocate to France - experiences and advice

Matthew Jewitt

Hello, this is my first time posting and I have an enquiry which I hope this forum might be able to assist with. I am a Chartered Engineer currently undertaking consultancy work in the UK specialising in Rail Telecommunications and my ultimate aim is to relocate to Europe and in particular France. In addition to being Chartered I also have my European Engineer (Eur Ing) qualification.


At present I have just started to learn French and although I am committed I do understand that it can take a while to become proficient at it however I was wondering if there any international-based Engineering companies in France that might be interested in an English speaking Engineering resource who is willing to learn French? Are there any UK Engineers on this forum who have relocated to France under similar circumstances? If so it would be great to hear your experiences of relocating and any issues (and successes!) as a result and also what your level of French was at the time of relocating and what it is now after spending time in France.



 



Finally, I have been researching companies in France that might have a demand for my specialism (Rail Telecommunications) and I have found SNCF Engineering and Consultancy, which works both internationally and in France, and SNC Lavalin, is anyone on this forum aware of any other rail consultancies that might be worth researching?



 



This is quite a big goal so any advice would be greatly appreciated and it would be great to hear anyone else’s experiences of relocating to France, many thanks.


  • 0
    Hello John,


     Many thanks for taking the time to respond and providing some very useful information. I know speaking the language is essential to truly relocate to France but it is also good to know that there are a high percentage of companies where English is the working language too, this could help whilst I fully get to grips with the French language (which is my ultimate aim). It is also an impression achievement that you were able to become professionally proficient in French within 18 months. I intend to fully integrate into society there, I have a lot of French friends and personal connections to France so if I am lucky enough to relocate I will have plenty of opportunity to socialise and build my French outside of work.


    You mentioned that CEng is not recognised in France but Eur Ing is known, at what level do French Engineers rate Eur Ing and is there a French CEng equivalent?


    Many thanks again for responding and sharing your experiences (and impressive achievement), it is much apprecated.


    Regards,


    Matthew.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member








    Mathew,




    Unless you apply to a UK or anglophone company or group, C
    Eng has no value, for example C Eng (HNC) is just technician. EUR
    Ing is known but has little support in France.



    Unfortunately recruiting is done through the "resseau de
    grande ecôle" if you are not an old boy from an engineering school,
    you could be last choice. The French call this   "le piston"
    !

    However an open minded company will ask for Ingénieur meaning
    Bac + 5 (master degree ) If you are not French, then you sell
    yourself on your CV, University Diplomas and past experience.

    If you apply through an outside Cabinet de Recrutement you
    will pass through the box ticking procedure, where you can just
    show your qualifications - equivalent to French diplomas, and past
    experiences.

    One good thing in France is that references are
    illegal. 

    You will need work certificates from all your past employers.
    These are made on company paper with the Siret No and stamp,
    stating your employment period and your status or title in the
    company ie "mechanical  project engineer", the
    company registration details, nothing else, certainly no
    comments on character or performance. 



    A CV in France is a legal document, it must be correct and
    complete. 

    So contact all your previous employers and ask for work
    certificates, explaing as above, this will save time if you are
    selected.

    It took me 1 year to go through clearence for my last post
    and 10 minutes  for a post in private nuclear
    engineering!



    These days IT, Linkidin etc are used, but sending a
    speculative, well targeted CV and phoning up at the same time gets
    you recognised and makes them curious.



    Good luck,

    John Gowman.









  • 0
    Hello John,


    Many thanks for your response and providing further information, it was very informative and has given me lots of things to consider, much appreciated.


    Regards,


    Matthew

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