Polytech Montpellier Launches an Industrial Engineering Program in Béziers
OnOn December 3, 2024, a new engineering program will be launched by the Polytechnique Universitaire de Montpellier (Polytech Montpellier)—an internal school of the University of Montpellier—in Béziers, with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will be attended by François-Xavier Lauch, Prefect of Hérault; Sophie Béjean, Rector of the Occitanie Academic Region, Rector of the Montpellier Academy, and Chancellor of Universities; Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier; Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President for Education and University Life at the University of Montpellier; and Lionel Torres, Director of Polytech Montpellier.
The launch of this industrial engineering program is part of an initiative led by the regional education authority in collaboration with the Occitanie Regional Council to roll out training programs that support reindustrialization and the development of new skills in the green industry sector in Béziers (with a focus on hydrogen production from renewable energy sources), while improving employment opportunities for young people in the region.
Local training for a rapidly changing region
Polytech Montpellier’s stated goal is to promote the development of higher education and research in dynamic regions where access to high-level programs has historically been limited. To that end, the school plans to submit a proposal to the CTI (Commission des Titres d’Ingénieurs) in 2025 for a new industrial engineering program in Béziers. Thanks to this specialization, students in the region will now be able to earn a five-year engineering degree without leaving their local area.
By establishing a presence in Béziers, Polytech Montpellier aims to build bridges between secondary and higher education, guiding high school students all the way to an engineering degree (BAC+5). This initiative also aims to promote social inclusion by making high-quality educational programs accessible to regions with limited higher education infrastructure. Finally, this program aims to meet the needs of local businesses, particularly in fields related to the green industry and the ecological transition.
A cross-functional program at the heart of industrial challenges
The new specialization in industrial engineering stands out for its versatility. The major topics covered include industrial processes and their optimization; quality and maintenance, the cornerstones of industrial performance; environmental impact management, a key issue in the ecological transition; and, of course, management, to train leaders capable of steering complex projects. With this initiative, Polytech Montpellier demonstrates a clear ambition: to train engineers ready to meet the industrial challenges of tomorrow, while revitalizing the local educational and economic landscape. This project illustrates the ability of academic institutions to adapt to societal changes by building bridges between education, research, and industry.
Practical information:
- Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Lycée Jean-Moulin, 19 Avenue des Martyrs de la Résistance, Béziers
- Registration