1 Coworker, 1 Job: Laura

Hello, my name is Laura, and I'm 26 years old. After finishing high school, I was eager to start working. Thanks to the support of the Mission Locale, I was able to quickly secure a job at éolane. I was only 18 when I joined, which means I've now accumulated 8 years of experience here!

I've had the opportunity to take on several roles within the company. It's been a very enriching experience as it has allowed me to gain an understanding and an overview of the manufacturing process. The first position offered to me was in the warehouse, a role I ultimately didn't take as I was looking for something more hands-on. Then, I joined the insertion department, where I was responsible for placing components on the boards before they were soldered in the wave. After that, I worked in finishing and then I took my current role as a varnishing operator.

I remember my first day very well. I was warmly welcomed, and there was a dedicated effort to introduce me to the company's activities and the specifics of the job. Initially, I was assigned to the insertion department, a role that allowed me to put my manual skills into practice and work hands-on. Sitting in front of a computer all day doesn't align with my personality. I demonstrated that I was a motivated and detail-oriented person, and as a result, I was given the opportunity to work on more concrete tasks that better suited me.

Firstly, it's important to understand that there are two distinct techniques: manual varnishing and automatic varnishing. These two processes are quite similar, except for the card preparation. In manual varnishing, the first step involves manually masking certain areas or components on the cards that should not be varnished. This step is called manual sparing. It is not necessary in automatic varnishing because the robot only varnishes the areas defined by computer parameters.
During manual varnishing, we apply a layer of varnish: one for the solder surface (in the form of a thick paste) and one for the component elements. Once the card is dry, we remove the protective tape and use a blower to remove excess varnish.

My main responsibility is to inspect the cards and make any necessary touch-ups. I use a violet UV lamp, protective glasses, and gloves to meticulously inspect the varnish application. If I spot defects, I correct them using a diluent pot in case of excessive varnish thickness. I also have a brush and a varnish pot for areas that are not sufficiently covered. To completely remove the varnish, we use DCT.

I only use the computer to access the varnishing plans; I'm not responsible for setting up the robots. However, I play a role in identifying repetitive defects on cards varnished automatically. If I notice frequent issues, I report them to help correct and improve the robot parameters and prevent these errors.

The daily volume of cards varies quite a bit and is mainly dependent on the manufacturing orders (OF) we receive. Some days, I may handle around 200 cards, while on others, the quantity is much lower. This fluctuation is normal in our field; for example, yesterday, I checked a total of 60 cards.
Furthermore, the number of cards I process also depends on the necessary touch-ups. Personally, I prioritize quality over quantity. However, it's essential to meet the deadlines set by our clients.

During quieter periods, we are assigned to other workstations for support. I appreciate this variety as it allows me to diversify my tasks and interact with colleagues whom I might not necessarily encounter every day. Currently, I'm juggling between varnishing, preparation, and finishing, making my days very dynamic.

Our team consists of five people: one supervisor in charge of varnishing, two individuals working on the varnishing robot, and two others, including myself, at the manual varnishing station (with masking). We handle any necessary touch-ups in close proximity, all on the same workstation. Even though I work in a slightly separate area, we maintain smooth and constant communication. We truly form a close-knit team. If I ever have any doubts about whether a component should be varnished or not, we support each other. Collaboration and mutual assistance are essential aspects of the smooth operation of our team.

From my perspective, the crucial qualities for this job are attentiveness and meticulousness.
Meticulousness is particularly important in our profession because every detail matters. Each component must be treated with precision and care to ensure the quality of the final product and the maintenance of high-quality standards.

Listening is also paramount. It's essential to consider the advice and feedback received to help us improve and become more effective in our work.

Above all, I believe the most important quality is a genuine passion for the job. When you love what you do, everything becomes easier, and it reflects in the overall quality of your work. It's an energy that drives us to be in a constant state of continuous improvement.

There are indeed physical constraints to consider, such as back problems or health issues in general. On these matters, I find that éolane adapts to mitigate these constraints. We regularly benefit from awareness interventions, particularly on handling heavy loads, and short training sessions are sometimes provided in the morning by internal experts who reinforce best practices. There are details I may not have paid attention to before, like the importance of bending the knees during certain movements. These small things make a big difference, and éolane ensures that we are aware of these practices to preserve our long-term physical health.

We would be delighted to expand our team with motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in working with us in Saint-Agrève!