What about you?
Tell us about yourself
My name is Steven, I'm 25 and I'm from Saint-Laurent du Maroni. I'm currently working for the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane as a CTE* Biomasse project manager.
* Ecological Transition Contract
Your business
Can you tell us about your job? What does it involve?
As French Guiana is keen to embark on an ecological transition process, and through the introduction of what is known as the Ecological Transition Contract (ETC), which is a bespoke contract between local authorities voluntarily committing to this dynamic and the government, it has had the opportunity since 5 July 2019 to create a long-term dynamic to facilitate its transition.
Since September 2021, I have been in charge of the Biomass ETC. This is fully in line with this dynamic, as it aims to accelerate the development of the biomass sector in French Guiana in order to achieve the objectives set out in Guyana's multi-annual energy programme (PPE).
What do you like about your job?
I chose this sector because I wanted to get more involved in the ecological transition in French Guiana. What I like most about this job is the collaborative and cross-disciplinary nature of the work. You can, for example, discuss the certification of an agricultural land clearance or the alternatives associated with the use of biomass, specifically in the field of cosmetics. You can also follow current or future projects and suggest actions to promote the development of the sector. On a day-to-day basis, I'm involved in leading and coordinating biomass-related projects.
Your training courses
Tell us about your training courses.
Before joining the University of Guyana, I obtained a General Baccalaureate in Sciences, specialising in computer science and digital science at the Lycée Bertène Juminer in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. I was then accepted for a 6-year course at the UG. I started with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Sciences, majoring in Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Autonomy. Then, after obtaining my bachelor's degree, I went on to do a Master's in Energy and Space Computing for Insular and Isolated Networks.
What have they brought you?
Despite a number of difficulties, my training and adaptation went smoothly. The supervision and the quality of the teaching, even during the health crisis, were the things that impressed me the most. During my training, I acquired a wide range of skills, including programming, electricity, electrical engineering and chemistry. I've developed new working methods and new professional and personal qualities. I was lucky enough to do a work placement in specialised maintenance at EDF Guyane, which confirmed my interest in electrical engineering. So it was an obvious choice to continue with the EISRII Master's degree, given the region's climate challenges and my background.
What did you like about it?
I really appreciated the patience and professionalism of the teachers. The possibility of doing work placements abroad also contributed to my enthusiasm for this course at the UG.
