“Learning by doing” is the motto of the Production Schools, a network of vocational training schools supported by the Rexel Foundation. On January 22nd, 166 employees from Rexel’s headquarters experienced this approach firsthand, applied to the energy transition. During an immersive event organized by the partners, participants were also invited to celebrate the partnership’s successes in 2025 and discover the objectives for 2026.
From success to success
In 2025, the Rexel Foundation supported four schools across France to train students in various trades (electricity, mechanics, welding and metalwork, industrial sewing, and market gardening). This new partnership has created an energy transition education model that benefits hundreds of young trainees, raising their awareness of the energy transition by exploring local initiatives, meeting local stakeholders, and taking concrete action for the planet. Mission accomplished!
Highlights of the 2025 program included visits to environmentally friendly facilities such as a nuclear power plant, a hydroelectric dam, a wind farm, a district heating system, a recycling plant, and sustainable business premises. Other awareness-raising activities included film screenings followed by discussions, quizzes, and climate workshops. Student projects included creating a solar-powered phone charging station, organizing a “Repair Day,” setting up energy transition and ecology committees, and many other initiatives. In addition, Rexel experts explained the evolution of electrical solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact and invited the students to a guided tour of RexelExpo 2025 in Paris.
An expanded network of schools and activities
Now, in 2026, the partnership will continue with a more ambitious scope, involving more schools (12), more interns (470 compared to 179 in 2025), an impact on a larger student population (737 compared to 297), and nearly double the number of projects (130 compared to 69). In addition to the Foundation’s funding, Rexel will continue to provide materials, organize training sessions at its facilities, and offer practical support, including branch visits, webinars, and an energy transition awareness kit.
Discover the 12 partner schools for 2026:
Four pilot schools:
- The Lens Automotive Production School (EPAL) in Lens (automotive mechanics school)
- The Industrial Production School of Sewing and Garment Making (EPICC) in Roubaix (sewing and garment making)
- The School of Sowers in Beaumesnil (market gardening)
- Future professionals in Limoges (electricity, welding, and metalwork)
Eight new schools:
- Western Technical Training Institute (IFTO) in Cholet (metal fabrication)
- Saint Eloi School in Annecy (jewelry)
- Grenoble Free School of Apprenticeship (ELAG) (machining)
- Technical School of Wood in Plateau d’Hauteville (wood processing)
- ICAM in Lille (machining, metallurgy, and mechanics)
- The Gardeners of Macheville in Lemastre (gardening and landscaping)
- Jean-Marie Vianney in La Côte-Saint-André (restoration)
- Wood’Up in Châteaubriant (carpentry)
For more information about Production Schools, please visit the network’s website: https://www.ecoles-de-production.com/
Tagged with Rexel, Rexel Foundation