"The more solid the knowledge of nicotine and vape, the more the quality and relevance of advice will make the difference in supporting smokers towards quitting."
Jacques Le Houezec is a scientist specializing in nicotine, and a recognized expert in public health and tabacology. With a PhD in Life and Health Sciences, he focuses his research on tobacco harm reduction strategies. A former president of SRNT Europe, co-founder of the Sovape association and founder ofAmzer Glas - CIMVAPE, he works to promote the electronic cigarette as a major smoking cessation tool. With his Qualiopi-certified organization, he has been offering training courses for healthcare professionals and vape stakeholders since 2015.
Can you introduce us to Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE?
Jacques Le Houezec : Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE is based in Plobannalec-Lesconil, in Finistère. Since 2015, we've been training two audiences: on the one hand, vape professionals, mainly stores, and on the other, healthcare professionals such as addictologists or tabacologists. Our objective is clear: to professionalize the discourse on vape, deconstruct preconceived ideas and reinforce the credibility of a rapidly evolving sector.
What training courses do you offer?
JLH: We have two main formats: a one-day basic training course and a complete three-day cycle leading to Certification. These cover essential topics: nicotine, tobacco addiction, how the vaporizer works, the history of vape, regulations, not forgetting practical advice for working in the store. To date, over 700 people have taken our training courses, and more than 130 have obtained certification.
What content is covered?
JLH: Our modules cover nicotine, regulations, materials and e-liquids, as well as how the human body works. The idea is to give participants solid, validated knowledge, enabling them to talk about vape with credibility. This is the key to professionalizing the sector. Of course, we also look at the role of vape in harm reduction, as an effective way of supporting smokers.
Why take a training course?
JLH: The vape market is changing fast. Regulations are changing, and a great deal of sometimes contradictory information is circulating. For store advisors and healthcare professionals alike, it's crucial to understand the pharmacology of nicotine, the mechanisms of addiction, and the benefits of vaping over tobacco. These skills build self-confidence and enable us to provide smokers with effective support.
How does Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE training work?
JLH: Since the COVID crisis, Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE training courses have been conducted remotely, and this works very well. Participants appreciate the group dynamic this creates. A complete cycle lasts three days and covers nicotine, addiction, products and regulations. We also devote some time to the history of the sector, which is essential for younger advisors. Case studies complete the learning process. Each day begins and ends with questionnaires, enabling us to measure participants' progress in real time.
What are the concrete objectives?
JLH: For stores, the aim is to better understand the effects of nicotine, addiction and the world of vape, so as to offer a quality service. For healthcare professionals, the aim is to explain, reassure and provide detailed knowledge of the mechanisms involved in smoking and weaning, so as to better support their patients.
What happens at the end of the course?
JLH: At the end of the training course, a certificate is issued to participants who obtain at least 75% correct answers to the questionnaires. The others receive a follow-up certificate. For the Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE certification, you need to put together a complete file with CV, covering letter and certificates, which is then submitted to a jury. It's an official recognition of skills acquired, which reinforces the credibility of professionals.
Qualiopi certification: funding and a guarantee of quality
Since 2022, Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE has been Qualiopi certified. This is a prerequisite for training courses to be financed by the Opérateurs de Compétences (OPCO). Depending on the profile and the OPCO's agreement, partial or total funding may be granted. Qualiopi certification validates the quality of the training provided, and guarantees trainees that teaching methods and organization meet demanding criteria. For Amzer Glas - CIMVAPE training courses, this is both a guarantee of professionalism and a guarantee of continuity.