A first-year student in the Specialized Engineering Program (PIS), with a concentration in Industrial Engineering and Performance, at the Bordeaux-Talence “ Arts et Métiers ” campus, Grégoire Ballion is pursuing a remarkable career path in the field of aircraft maintenance. After successfully passing the regional WorldSkills selection rounds, he has qualified for the next stages of the national pre-selection process for a competition that recognizes excellence in technical and professional skills.
A qualification earned after a grueling competition
After earning a vocational high school diploma in aeronautics with a concentration in avionics, followed by an advanced vocational diploma (BTS) in aeronautics—both completed at the Flora Tristan High School in Camblanes-et-Meynac on the Aérocampus Nouvelle-Aquitaine campus— Grégoire Ballion is competing in the “Aviation Maintenance” category at the WorldSkills competition.
This discipline requires expertise in all areas of aircraft maintenance: aircraft structures, mechanical and hydraulic systems, and onboard avionics and electronic equipment. Since the competition does not distinguish between these specialties, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of versatility and be capable of working on all components of an aircraft.
Following an initial round of regional preliminary auditions featuring 27 candidates in April 2026, five finalists were selected to compete in the regional finals held at the Bordeaux Exhibition Center. Thanks to his performance, Grégoire secured a spot in the national preliminary auditions, which will take place in 2027 at the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Aerocampus.
A stepping stone to professional excellence
The next stages of the WorldSkills competition present a real challenge. The national preliminary rounds will determine the six top French candidates in this specialty, who will then compete in the national finals scheduled for October 2027 in Orléans. The winner will join the French national skills team and represent the country at the WorldSkills international competition to be held in Aichi, Japan, in 2028.
For Grégoire, this adventure is much more than just a competition. It represents a real professional opportunity and highlights qualities that are particularly sought after by companies in the aircraft maintenance sector: commitment , attention to detail, motivation, and versatility. Preparation requires a significant time commitment, as training must be balanced with school and work, particularly during vacations, available half-days, or even certain class days.
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The benefits of this experience can be decisive for a student’s future career path. For example, Axel Marqueze-Pouey, an international finalist at the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, received funding from Dassault Aviation—the company that hired him after he completed his professional bachelor’s degree in avionics—to pursue his engineering degree at CESI. These career paths illustrate the interest that industry leaders have in candidates who demonstrate technical excellence and the ability to tackle demanding challenges.
With the support of his host company, AC-Dismantling, which allows him to devote time to his preparation, Grégoire is now continuing his training with determination. This experience is as enriching on a personal level as it is on a technical one, allowing him to develop his skills while striving for the highest levels of excellence in his profession.
His journey also highlights the excellence of the region’s aviation training programs and the dedication of the apprentices at Arts et Métiers , demonstrating the dynamism of an entire industry focused on innovation and performance.
