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Fives Machining and SIGMA Clermont Engineering School, a collaboration model for the worlds of education and industry

This partnership between SIGMA Clermont Engineering School and Fives Machining represents a model of collaboration between the worlds of education and industry, which is crucial for training the engineers of tomorrow and ensuring the future of industry in France.

SIGMA Clermont Engineering School, born from the merger of the French Institute of Advanced Mechanics (established in 1991) and the National School of Chemistry of Clermont-Ferrand (founded in 1908), has rapidly established itself as a key player in training engineers in mechanical engineering and chemistry. Since its creation, driven by industrial demand, the institution has continuously evolved to meet market needs and train engineers capable of tackling tomorrow’s technical challenges. Particularly in mechanical engineering, the school is distinguished by its unique training program focused on three main areas of specialization: materials and structures, mechanical design, and industrial organization. Each year, nearly 1,000 students are trained in the fields of mechanical engineering and chemistry, some of whom directly work in workshops to manage production units.

The international aspect and the practical nature of the training are at the heart of SIGMA Clermont’s pedagogical approach. Students benefit from a comprehensive education combining advanced theory with practical experience, including mandatory international internships. The school has successfully integrated modern technologies and cutting-edge industrial issues into its teaching, particularly in areas such as robotics, data science, and industrial process automation.

"Very attracted by the idea of studying abroad, SIGMA Clermont allowed me to complete my theoretical training by working for 6 months in a company in Japan and 6 months on a university research project in Canada. Thanks to this degree, I joined Fives Machining and continued learning in the world of machine tools as a Technical Support Engineer, Project Manager, and later as a Product Manager. I particularly enjoy my international assignments: 2 years in Japan on a VIE contract, 3 years as an Agency Manager in Japan, and for the past year, as a Service Project Manager in the Export sector." – Julien Pizel, Service Project Manager at Fives Machining.

A winning partnership with Fives Machining

In this context of constant evolution, the school has developed a strategic partnership with Fives Machining, the global leader in the manufacture of large-scale machines for machining and composite material deposition. This partnership, initiated several years ago, is part of a shared commitment to maintaining high-quality industrial offerings in France, particularly in the aerospace, defense, rail, energy, and general industry sectors, as well as in the manufacturing of complex, high-value-added parts.

Fives Machining, with its unique expertise in designing large-scale machines, regularly engages with students to enrich their education. Engineers from Fives share their technical know-how by teaching dedicated courses on the design and optimization of industrial machines. Thanks to a machine installed in the school’s workshops, students gain a concrete, hands-on understanding of the challenges faced by industry, whether in complex machining processes, resource management, or production optimization.

"The Fives machine we integrated into our workshops is an indispensable tool for our students' learning. It allows them to machine complex parts each week, which is essential for their practical training and understanding of industrial processes in real-world conditions," says Professor Emmanuel Duc, Researcher and Professor at the school.

This partnership also provides students with a clear vision of the future of large-scale machining, a sector that is rapidly evolving due to new technologies like advanced robotics, 3D printing, and process virtualization. As a leader in this field, Fives Machining plays a key role in this transition and helps the school stay at the forefront of innovation.

Collaborative research projects

This partnership is not limited to knowledge transfer; it also opens up opportunities for applied research. For example, the school and Fives Machining have launched several projects focused on the decarbonization of industrial processes and digital simulation, which have led to transforming the Fives machine into a true experimental reference cell by integrating energy consumption sensors to optimize production processes from an environmental perspective.

Students actively participate in these projects, learning to use tools like digital twins and real-time simulations to anticipate and adjust machining processes. This approach not only trains engineers to work on the industrial challenges of tomorrow but also fosters innovative and sustainable solutions for partner companies.

Professional opportunities for students

The partnership with Fives Machining also offers unique opportunities for students: several young engineers trained at the school have already found positions within the company, whether in design teams, research, or departments related to industrial project management. Internships in companies are abundant, and students benefit from an industrial environment that allows them to acquire valuable practical skills throughout their studies.

Fives Machining also contributes by delegating its HR teams for mock interview sessions organized by SIGMA. These exercises help students better prepare for their job search.

"Thanks to the high-quality education at SIGMA Clermont, I gained solid technical skills, particularly in machining and machine tools. My apprenticeship at Fives Machining gave me the opportunity to work on real projects, such as the industrialization of fuselage parts for an aircraft. I also completed an internship in the United States with a Fives subsidiary. Today, as an engineer, I continue to be passionate about the diversity of projects and the technical richness of my work at Fives Machining." – Adrien Lepoultier, Application and Process Engineer at Fives Machining.

A promising future for the machining sector

This partnership with Fives Machining not only trains highly qualified engineers but also nurtures the ambition to advance the machining and large-scale manufacturing industries. Through concrete projects and close collaborations, students are expected to develop advanced technical skills while confronting real-world industry challenges. Tomorrow's challenges, such as decarbonization, process optimization, and continuous innovation in machine design, are at the heart of this collaboration.

"This partnership with Fives allows us to offer our students a pedagogical approach that is deeply rooted in the industrial world. Our students don’t just learn theoretical concepts; they confront real issues and participate in innovative projects that are shaping the future of machining," adds Professor Emmanuel Duc.

This alliance perfectly illustrates Fives’ mission to make industry appealing, by creating a true ecosystem of innovation where students, teachers, and industrialists work hand in hand to shape tomorrow’s solutions in the fields of machining and industrial automation.

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