On March 26, 2026, future engineers from the Arts et Métiers campus in Aix organized a forum, bringing together nearly 300 young people and 30 industrial companies.
The primary objective of this show is to “bringing together professionals and future workers” according to Élisa, president of the forum. Hundreds of visitors flocked all morning, wandering between the dozens of stands. Armed with a CV and a still-blank contact book, the students from the Aix campus were able to prepare for this day during a course lasting several hours on professional support.
These meetings must serve “social elevator” pour “Being as close as possible to the profession and its needs” explains Céline Pêcheur, communications manager. The industrial sector is seriously lacking in labor, close to “25,000 positions are to be filled“, in a sector that is still too much”male“. The Arts et Métiers campus raises awareness among young girls in middle and high school, in order to push them to embrace the industry, and to break the reputation of the sector, sometimes enjoying a “certain social statutes“.
“Supporting young people”
Each company has a representative, responsible for liaising with the next arrivals still at school. This is the case of Olivier for the CEA of Cadarache: “We look at the region, at the Aix-Marseille Academy and even the communities to meet our needs. We identify then we search. For example, we work on carbon-free energy, and we are responsible for supporting young people in this area..”
On the students’ side, the expectation for this type of event is high, especially for the end-of-year immersion periods: “I’m looking for a gap year internship. Last year I managed to find one, thanks to a previous edition. I have already identified two potential companies” confides Émilien, enrolled in the second year of the Grande École Program (PGE). Further on, Maud, a second year student, is also in search of the precious sesame, without forgetting the appearance”discovery of several companies, some of which I did not know“.
In the afternoon, several companies such as the Ortec, Alten, CMA-CGM and Naval groups organized conferences and workshops, targeted at their fields.
