Female vocations emerging on the Tramway T9 construction site
On the T9 tramway construction site in Vaulx-en-Velin, hard hats and high-visibility vests are not reserved for professionals.
For one morning, 28 female students from Lycée de la Croix-Rousse (Lyon) were welcomed by the Colas teams for an immersion at the heart of public works. A hands-on experience, close to the field, to discover professions that are often little-known and still too male-dominated.
Behind this initiative lies a strong conviction: it is by showing the reality of worksites that vocations are born.
A field experience to understand public works professions
Welcomed directly onto the construction site, the students discovered an infrastructure project in real conditions. Far from a theoretical approach, this visit allowed them to better understand the role of public works in territorial development and the complexity of mobility projects.
Throughout the morning, exchanges followed one another, including presentations, feedback, and observation of the site. The Colas teams took the time to explain the various stages of building a tramway, from site preparation to development works.
A particularly memorable moment for the students: the testimonies of female colleagues, notably a surveyor and a works supervisor. Through their career paths, they illustrated the diversity of possible trajectories and the reality of everyday life on the ground.
The site visit and the safety workshop complemented this discovery by providing a concrete vision of the requirements and skills involved.
Concrete and accessible professions
Throughout the exchanges, one idea became clear: public works professions are much more varied and accessible than often imagined.
They are not limited to a single technical dimension. They involve skills in organization, coordination, analysis, and management. On a site like the T9 tramway, every role directly contributes to the success of the project.
The female professionals present also shared an essential reality: these professions quickly offer concrete responsibilities. They allow one to see the direct impact of their work, whether in building transport infrastructure or improving the living environment.
By discovering these career paths, the students were able to envision meaningful careers closely connected to current challenges, particularly regarding ecological transition.
Promoting gender diversity in public works : a hands-on-commitment
Increasing the number of women in public works professions remains a major challenge. Changing this reality requires action from the guidance stage, by giving young girls a concrete and accessible vision of these careers.
This is precisely the goal of this initiative led by Colas. By opening its construction sites, the company seeks to create opportunities for discovery and remove barriers linked to stereotypes.
This commitment is reflected in concrete actions: meeting young people, highlighting female role models, and showing on site that these professions are open to everyone.
It fully aligns with the values upheld by Colas: the transmission of expertise, respect for career paths, collective engagement, and a pioneering spirit.
Elles bougent : a partner to inspire and support vocations
This morning was organised in collaboration with the association Elles bougent, which works to increase the number of women in scientific, technological, and industrial professions.
By creating links between the school world and the professional world, the association helps young girls to more easily envision themselves in these fields. Meetings with female professionals, site visits, and direct exchanges play a key role in shaping career choices.
This partnership strengthens the impact of the initiative: it is not only about introducing a profession, but about supporting a broader reflection on possible career paths.
The T9 tramway in Vaulx-en-Velin : a project serving the mobility of tomorrow
As the setting for this immersion, the T9 tramway construction site is part of the development of sustainable mobility within the Lyon metropolitan area.
This type of infrastructure helps to concretely transform the territory. It improves daily travel, offers alternatives to private car use, and strengthens accessibility between different neighbourhoods.
For the students, discovering this site also means understanding the direct usefulness of public works. Behind every project lies a tangible impact on residents’ lives and on the evolution of cities.
Building tomorrow's talent in public works
Training, sharing knowledge, and supporting new generations are at the heart of Colas’s commitment.
We are recruiting across France diverse profiles to take part in infrastructure projects serving local communities.
