For over a decade, Mélan has worked with heart and soul in the music and event world. Sectors that unfortunately were completely crippled by the corona virus. A financial blow for many, including Mélan. Looking for a solution, he knocked on IMPACT’s door. With his degree and previous experience as an electrician under his belt, together we found a new challenge at Engie Fabricom.

After his studies as an electrician, Mélan worked for several years as a technician-installer of electricity. But pretty soon his love for music took over and he turned his passion into his profession. He retrained and started working in the music and event business about ten years ago. Until the corona virus struck and Mélan’s sectors were mercilessly affected.

Mélan took on two roles until the outbreak of the virus. “On the one hand, I worked part-time as a sound and lighting technician for theaters, opera and concert halls, festivals … Think of the Royal Walloon Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Liège and Les Ardentes, but also La Zone, an established name in the Belgian underground scene. These are often temporary contracts of a few weeks or months for a specific show or concert, each time ensuring that the sound and lighting are in perfect order.”

In addition, Mélan is normally tour manager for music bands on a self-employed basis. “I deal mainly with all the logistical work: hotels, budgets, the planning of photo shoots and interviews, among other things … I’m in very close contact with the various organizers and venues to make sure that all the equipment is there when the band arrives, that they get the meals they want … I go along on tour staying with the music bands during that time to arrange everything.”

A great combination until the corona virus blew in from China and brought the music and event industry to a complete halt. “I’ve been on technical unemployment for over a year. I still get some money thanks to my part-time job, but obviously my work stopped immediately as soon as concerts, festivals … were no longer allowed to be organized. That means I saw half of my income suddenly disappear, since as a freelancer I no longer earn anything.”

After six months, Mélan felt the need to look for a new job to avoid getting into financial trouble. “Fortunately, I was able to fall back on my training as an electrician. I often saw the name IMPACT coming up in interesting job postings and consequently created an account on the IMPACT website. I contacted the nearest office in my area and we immediately discussed in detail my resume, my profile, my requirements …”

Mélan was able to start work quasi immediately at major player Engie Fabricom. “I started with a short interim assignment of two weeks. I was able to show that I was doing a good job and a bond of trust quickly developed. They saw that I could draw my plan smoothly, even with things I had never done before such as wiring. And my knowledge of English is a big plus, especially in Wallonia. My contract was extended after the first few weeks and I was offered a permanent contract for an indefinite period. Nevertheless, I opted for a fixed-term contract until August to see how the situation in the music and event sector will be at that time. Nevertheless, in the meantime they have given me more and more responsibilities: that’s nice.”

The job is very much to Mélan’s liking. “I actually work both as an electrician, as a cabler and as a fitter-installer. They are diverse projects on various sites and for all kinds of companies. I’ve already worked for AB Inbev, Essity and Safran, among others, installed bluetooth antennas to capture the vibrations of machines, devices to detect gas when using chemical products … The problems, the job content, the environment … are very different and constantly changing. That variety really motivates me and it’s enriching to have those experiences.”

Mélan is satisfied with the solution IMPACT was able to offer him in these difficult times. “It was immediately a pleasant contact. A contact that hasn’t stopped from the moment I started working either. IMPACT continues to show interest and call me regularly to hear how I am doing and how everything is going. In addition, I always get a clear answer to my questions right away. The administrative follow-up is also very correct: everything is paid out correctly and on time. So I am very positive and it is reassuring to know that I can turn to IMPACT for a job under any circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the corona vaccinations are set and the skies are clearing for the music and event industry. But where does Mélan choose to go? “My heart will always beat fastest for the music world. So I hope to pick up my old job(s) again. But I love the freedom you have as a temp and it’s the perfect solution to get through this difficult period without having to worry about my (financial) situation. Although I must admit: I find my current temp job so enjoyable that I am looking at options to combine it with my other job(s) in the future.”