Work-Integrated Learning for Engineers in Coordination with Industries

Introduction

To help readers to understand the French Education framework, it is important to explain the French higher education system and the peculiarity of the French engineer diploma (master degree program of 5 years after high school, standing for chartered engineers). Since the Bologna process (1999), the specificity of French education system was adapted to European qualification through the Master degree. The modes of access are summarized in Figure 1 with the equivalent European grades. For someone to be employed in France it is made easier if the Baccalaureat degree is passed (it is not an obligation but this level of qualification validates studies during high school that gives the basics (language, mathematics, history)). Therefore one enters university (higher education) to prepare a technical certificate in two years or a grade L. With such a bachelor degree, graduates can start their professional activities. Note that in France universities are public establishments where training fees are mostly reduced. Private institutions exist with more expensive fees for students. Several state social aids limit social discrimination. A master’s degree can be obtained by further studies at university. In France, it is a requirement to undertake a minimum training period within industry that is work experience mostly dealing with practice in a real environment. The duration depends on the training but forms part of the curriculum. Figure 1, highlights the comparison between the French education system and the European systems, which is License (Bachelor), Master (Engineer), Doctorate (Ph.D) or LMD. Gateways exist between university trainings and engineering trainings. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) apply and take into account the academic workload by semester.

Figure 1.

scheme of path to French diploma of higher education with European equivalent (LMD)

At the university, courses and training are conducted by teachers and researchers (“enseignant-chercheurs”) mostly hired with a PhD qualification. They work within a laboratory environment engaged in research. Some of them are first chartered engineers especially when teaching in school of engineering like Polytech'Lille. Courses at the university and school engineering are closely aligned to research initiatives to facilitate a better transfer of knowledge and innovation. In 2006, French law for research planning (French Government, 2006) created the French Assessment Agency for Research and Higher Education (AERES) establishing a more intertwined relationship between training and research. It’s an independent administrative authority evaluating higher education institutions and organizations within a global perspective.