“Gold in the hands”: 5 ideas for manual professions… to discover this weekend

Faced with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which can potentially threaten certain computerized and overqualified executive jobs, manual professions stand out for their resilience and also respond to a quest for meaning among some young people.

Demonstrations, open days…

Created and managed by the Institute for French Savoir-Faire, the European Crafts Days (JEMA) highlight these crafts throughout France every year. Free events accessible to all, at the crossroads of culture, economy, heritage and creation: visits to workshops, factories, training establishments, museums, cultural places and historical monuments.

In Île de France, for example, in Romainville (93) the Fiminco Foundation welcomes the Campus Fashion Métiers d’Art et Design and the Comité Colbert, with the event “Enter en matters #5”. Days of free demonstrations to explore around thirty know-how (wood, metal, leather, ceramics, textiles, jewelry) and to meet artisans from recognized houses such as Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels…

For this 20th edition, more than 6,000 events are offered to the public: Salon des Métiers d’art in Saint-Chamas (13) near Marseille, demonstration of a dyer in Montpellier, of a furniture upholsterer and decorator in Toulouse, of a framer in Brest… Find the entire program on the official website of the event.

5 ideas for arts and crafts that are recruiting

Here are five manual professions that can offer future prospects and that you could discover this weekend:

Cabinetmaker: designs, manufactures and restores wooden furniture. He works with various species and uses traditional or modern techniques to create unique or serial pieces. Precision and knowledge of materials are key skills. A CAP cabinetmaker is often a first step in training. Diplomas such as the BMA (Brevet des Métiers d’Art) cabinetmaker or the DMA (Diplôme des Métiers d’Art) housing arts furniture option are also possible. Cabinetmaker or passion for wood.

Jeweler: creates, repairs and transforms jewelry from precious metals and fine or precious stones. The jeweler makes sketches, shapes the metals, sets the stones and polishes the pieces. This job requires attention to detail and artistic sense. A CAP in the art and techniques of jewelry making is a foundation. Training courses such as the BMA jewelry or the DMA jewelry art allow you to acquire more advanced skills. French jewelry is looking for talent

Roofer: installs and repairs the roofs of buildings: a house, Notre-Dame de Paris or a building, ensuring their waterproofing and protection. He works with various materials such as tiles, slates, or zinc. This job requires working at height and good physical condition. A CAP roofer is the reference diploma. Additional training such as the BP (Professional Certificate) roofer allows you to develop expertise and responsibilities.

Costume designer: designs and creates costumes for theater, cinema, opera and other shows. He carries out historical research, designs models, chooses fabrics and supervises the tailoring. Creativity and knowledge of fashion history are required. Diplomas such as the BTS in fashion professions – clothing or training in specialized schools can prepare you for this profession. 6 job ideas for fashion enthusiasts.

Florist: this profession combines creativity, business sense and knowledge of plants. Composition of bouquets, floral arrangements and plant decorations for various occasions: the florist is an artisan trader. A florist CAP is the initial training. The florist BP allows you to acquire skills in management and more elaborate creation.

Manipulate and not prompt

What if to perpetuate these vocations, and make these professions known, the school encouraged more learning of manual gestures? The association “ Gold in the hands »advocates putting manual practice and manipulation back at the center of learning, starting in primary school.

This approach is presented as a response to several current problems in the education system, such as dropping out of school, loss of motivation or difficulty in giving meaning to lessons. Thus developing: concentration, commitment and self-confidence of students.