Article by CEGEP/Inovem/ENME
It was with great excitement and enthusiasm that the Victoriaville Cegep welcomed the very fine delegation of European partners in the MOSAIC-CoVE project. A total of 26 people representing all the project’s partners spent the week of October 21st at our facilities in Victoriaville and Montreal.
The specific aim of the visit was to see and understand the relationship and close collaboration between the «École Nationale du Meuble et de l’Ébénisterie (ENME)», all the industries in our sector, and «Inovem-Centre d ‘innovation» (Innovation Centre in wood and related materials).
We put an enormous amount of time and energy to make this visit a success. Visitors were treated to a packed programme, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. On the first evening, the Cégep hosted a small cocktail party, where Mr. Denis Deschamps, General Manager of the Cégep, took the opportunity to welcome the group in with a short speech.
For the first study day, the Inovem team had prepared a number of different activities, including 3 presentations: the first on the operation and synergy between the Céegep, ENME and Inovem, the second on applied research activities, and the third one on Services to local businesses. After each presentation, the Inovem team led a workshop in one of our laboratories to get a better idea and understanding of the different activities and types of projects developed by the innovation centre.
The second day of study began with two company visits. The first stop was at «Prise», a social reintegration company that uses woodworking to develop the skills, aptitudes and attitudes of its beneficiaries so that they can enter the job market. The visit was greatly appreciated by all the partners. The group then moved on to the 2nd company, «Boisés Lafleur Inc», which specialises in the production of wood veneer. After this second visit, all partners set off for Quebec City to visit «La Maison des Métiers d’Art de Québec». This renowned Quebec art school trains students in a number of disciplines, including ceramics, sculpture, textiles, visual arts and many others.
The final day was divided into two parts. In the morning, there was a presentation on the activities and spin-offs between Inovem and the school’s activities (ENME), and 2 other workshops in the laboratory (supporting local craftsmen and using the low environmental impact finishing laboratory). We then moved on to the «École Nationale du Meuble de Montréal», where a final presentation awaited visitors. Michel Massé, owner of «USIMM», presented his unique company, which manufactures art objects and artistic projects using only digital equipment. It was a presentation that amazed and surprised everyone present.
All in all, all the partners agreed that this study trip was a success in every aspect, and that the Canadian business model is certainly one that should be explored and adapted on the European continent as a contribution for innovation in the Arts and Crafts, and for fostering Vocational Excellence in the sector.
