Launch of an engineering program at the University of Montpellier taught by Polytech
During the EDEN (Sustainable Ecosystem and Natural Energy) steering committee meeting, Sophie Béjean, Rector of the Occitanie academic region, Rector of the Montpellier Academy, and Chancellor of Universities, announced plans to launch an engineering program offered by the Montpellier University Polytechnic School (Polytech Montpellier)—an internal school of the University of Montpellier – in Béziers, with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
The launch of this industrial engineering program is part of a broader initiative by the regional education authority to roll out training programs that will support reindustrialization in Béziers and the development of new skills in the green industry (with a focus on hydrogen production from renewable energy sources), while improving access to employment for young people in the region.
For the University of Montpellier, this project is fully in line with the institution's strategy, which aims to offer high-level degrees, meet the need to train engineers, and strengthen the necessary university presence in several locations across the region.
In fact, at the start of the 2023 academic year, thanks to funding provided by the France 2030 Plan's call for expressions of interest in Skills and Jobs of the Future, the Regional Education Authority and the Regional Council supported the launch of a vocational baccalaureate in Production Line Management at the Jean Moulin high school in Béziers. The Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT) has also launched a professional degree in AI Robotics.
Efforts to offer young people in the region training programs with high potential for professional integration are being carried out at all levels, from high school diplomas to engineering degrees, with strong support from the Regional Education Authority and the Regional Council, and a commitment from all stakeholders involved in the EDEN committee.
This opening is further proof of the government's commitment to Genvia's development, supported by the France 2030 Investment Plan to the tune of €200 million as part of the strategy to accelerate the hydrogen sector, and to which the Prefect of Hérault is paying particular attention as chair of the EDEN Committee.
The proposal to launch this engineering program will be submitted to the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), which will evaluate it and guarantee its quality, with a view to opening in the fall of 2025. Starting in the fall of 2024, this program will be offered as a work-study program, as part of a specific option, from Montpellier before a planned launch in the fall of 2025 in Béziers at the IUT premises, in partnership with the Lycée Jean-Moulin. Two components of the University of Montpellier, Polytech Montpellier and the IUT of Béziers, are directly involved in this expansion of the training program.
Sophie Béjean, Rector of the Occitanie academic region, said:
" It is essential to develop training programs that offer employment prospects for young people and respond to economic and ecological challenges. The launch of this engineering program in Béziers, supported by Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education and Research, is in line with the work carried out by the Regional Academic Rectorate to support the growth of emerging sectors that are creating jobs."
Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, said:
"The University of Montpellier is delighted at the prospect of launching this Polytech engineering program, which will complement the professional training offered by our IUT in Béziers. A tremendous dynamic is taking shape at this site, strengthening the UM's regional roots, to the great benefit of our students. We thank the Ministry and the Rectorate for their support and are delighted to be part of the EDEN ecosystem."
Lionel Torres, Director of Polytech Montpellier, said:
"The engineering training model we offer responds to economic and societal demand in the region, while aligning with crucial national issues related to the decarbonization of industry. This innovative project will draw on a variety of technical and technological skills available at Lycée Jean-Moulin and IUT Béziers, naturally establishing the continuum from Bac -3 to Bac +5. The State has responded with strength and conviction to offer high-quality, high-level higher education in Béziers."