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Naval Group’s Cherbourg hull and structures workshop employs formeurs-dresseurs as early-stage contributors to shipbuilding, shaping and assembling metal components ranging from small fittings to submarine sections. Harmony, a formeuse-dresseuse since 2019, describes the role as both technical and demanding, involving processes like rolling, pressing, and hydraulic bending guided by engineering drawings. The work spans traditional techniques, such as hot forming and manual hammering, alongside CNC machines, requiring spatial awareness, precision, and adherence to safety protocols. Recent assignments include forming hull strakes for the next-generation aircraft carrier and large 9-meter-long base plates for third-generation ballistic missile submarines (SNLE 3G).

Harmony transitioned into this role after a career change, initially working in retail before pursuing professional training through the Association pour la formation professionnelle des adultes (AFPA). Her path included two industrial internships, one at Naval Group, followed by a professional title in boilermaking. She joined Naval Group as a temporary worker in 2019 and became a permanent employee in 2020, benefiting from mentorship by experienced colleagues to refine her skills over eight years of training.

The formeur-dresseur role demands a combination of technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and teamwork, with tasks varying daily from tracing assembly points to operating heavy machinery. Physical demands include handling large metal sheets, working in confined spaces, and using pneumatic tools for corrections, all while maintaining strict safety standards to prevent injuries. The role also requires interpreting complex blueprints and visualizing three-dimensional structures, skills developed through both formal education and on-the-job experience.

To address workforce needs, Naval Group’s Cherbourg site, in partnership with the Union des industries et métiers de la métallurgie (UIMM) Grand Ouest Normandie, launched a three-month training program in June 2026 for prospective formeurs-dresseurs. Ten candidates will undergo initial training before entering a 24-month apprenticeship with Naval Group, reflecting the company’s investment in skilled labor to support major naval programs like the PA-NG and SNLE 3G.