the Best Workers of France celebrate their 100th anniversary

The anniversary of the famous blue-white-red collar workers takes place all weekend in Lyon. The opportunity to also organize the finals of the Best Apprentices of France and to highlight various sectors.

The Best Workers of France (MOF) are celebrating their centenary in Lyon this weekend of June 8 and 9. They are artisans recognized by their peers as representing the excellence of their profession. More than 200 professions can claim MOF status, from catering to arts and crafts, including aesthetics and hairdressing. They can be distinguished by their blue-white-red collars and their embroidered outfits. The title of Best Worker gives them recognition and often also helps them recruit, which is no small thing these days. The competition has existed for 100 years and this weekend in Lyon, on the occasion of the centenary, the finals of the Best Apprentices of France (MAF), the young generation, are also being organized.

“There is the descended setting, the micro-setting…” : Stéphane Cantarelli, fine jewelry setter at Dior and Meilleur Ouvrier de France since last year, lists the different techniques he uses. For him, being a MOF is a “culmination”. “Afterwards, you should not believe that, because I am a MOF, because I have 35 years in the profession, I can more easily set a ruby ​​worth a million euros. I always question myself. I think beforehand. how to do it, because we really don’t have the right to break it, given the value of the parts”he assures.

Stéphane Cantarelli presents himself in Lyon in pair with a Best French Apprentice, Emma Sylène, very enthusiastic : “I learn new pieces, new jewelry every day. It’s a pleasure to see a finished work that we’ve been creating for hours, even weeks. It’s still jewelry, so it shines, it’s beautiful and The result is great.”

A story of passion that transcends sectors of activity. Léa Carré, 25 years old, is a MAF in the profession of “zinc roofer”. What he likes about this job ? “Being outside all the time, work with my hands, never do the same thing, never touch the same materials”, replies the young woman. She registered for her CAP “in secret” from her mother because, according to her, manual professions are often denigrated.

“Now, I find that at school we hear more and more about it, it’s becoming more popular and I think it’s good.”

Lea Carre

at franceinfo

His employer, the Le Ny company, works in particular on historic buildings, currently on the construction site of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and has counted up to four MOFs in addition to its founder.

The Best Workers in France attract excellence, this is one of the contributions of this title. The experience of Godefroy Piaton bears witness to this : “I won at the age of 24 and that made me the youngest winner in butchery.” He opened his butcher shop in his childhood village in Isère. It attracts consumers of good meat and butchers eager for progression. : “The big advantage compared to some of my colleagues is that with this title, I have a lot of young people who are very motivated, who want to prepare for competitions, he congratulates himself. I’m lucky to have young people who came to me just for that and we’re lucky to be able to attract more and more young people.”

The Best Workers in France keep their title for life and try to remain, they assure, up to it throughout their career.