Launch of an engineering program at the University of Montpellier, taught by Polytech
At 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 the Universities, announced plans to launch an engineering program to be 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 an initiative led by the regional education authority to roll out vocational training programs designed to support the reindustrialization of Béziers and the development of new skills in the field of green industry (with a focus on hydrogen production from renewable energy sources), while improving employment opportunities 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-quality degrees, meet the need to train engineers, and strengthen the university’s presence at various locations throughout the region.
In fact, at the start of the 2023 school year, thanks to funding provided through the “Skills and Jobs of the Future” call for expressions of interest under the France 2030 Plan, the Regional Education Authority and the Regional Council supported the launch of a vocational baccalaureate program in Production Line Management at the Jean Moulin High School in Béziers. Meanwhile, the Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT) has launched a professional bachelor’s degree in AI Robotics.
Efforts to provide local youth with training programs that offer strong prospects for entering the workforce are being carried out at all levels, from high school through engineering degrees, with strong support from the Regional Education Office and the Regional Council, and a commitment from all stakeholders involved through the EDEN Committee.
This opening is further evidence of the government’s commitment to Genvia’s development, which is supported by the France 2030 Investment Plan with €200 million in funding as part of the strategy to accelerate the hydrogen sector, and to which the Prefect of Hérault pays 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 certify its quality, with the aim of launching the program in the fall of 2025. Starting in the 2024 academic year, this program will be offered through work-study contracts as part of a specific track, initially in Montpellier, before a planned expansion to Béziers in the fall of 2025 at the IUT campus, in partnership with Lycée Jean-Moulin. Thus, two components of the University of Montpellier—Polytech Montpellier and the IUT in Béziers—are directly involved in this expansion of the educational offerings.
Sophie Béjean, rector of the Occitanie academic region, stated:
“It is essential to develop educational programs that offer employment opportunities for young people and address economic and environmental challenges.” “The launch of this engineering program in Béziers, supported by Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education and Research, is part of the ongoing efforts by the Regional Academic Rectorate to support the growth of emerging fields that create jobs.”
Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, stated:
“The University of Montpellier is delighted at the prospect of launching this Polytech engineering program, which complements the vocational training offerings of our IUT in Béziers. A tremendous momentum is building at this site, strengthening the University of Montpellier’s regional presence, to the great benefit of our students. We thank the Ministry and the Regional Education Authority for their support and are delighted to be part of the EDEN ecosystem.”
Lionel Torres, Director of Polytech Montpellier, stated:
“The engineering education model we are offering addresses economic and societal needs in the region, while aligning with critical national challenges related to the decarbonization of industry. This innovative project will draw on a variety of technical and technological expertise available at Lycée Jean-Moulin and the IUT de Béziers, naturally establishing a continuum from the first year of university (Bac +3) to the master’s level (Bac +5). The government has stepped up with strong commitment to provide high-quality, advanced higher education in Béziers.”