First academic year for the "Nuclear Systems Engineering: Operation and Control" program at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Lille: A strategic training program supported by EDF and the Université des Métiers du Nucléaire!
New expertise in "Nuclear Systems Engineering: Operation and Control" at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Lille
On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Lille welcomed the first class of students specializing in "Nuclear Systems Engineering: Operation and Management," offering third-year engineering students in the Grande Ecole Program (PGE) the opportunity to specialize and acquire skills by choosing an area of expertise designed to meet the growing needs of the nuclear industry in the Hauts-de-France region and at the national level.
Training to meet the needs of manufacturers
This training program was developed as part of a strategic review of the Dunkirk 2030 project, relayed by EDF, which highlighted the skills requirements associated with the opening of two EPR2 reactors at the Gravelines site.
It was in this context that Myriam Dumont, lecturer-researcher and head of the MSMP laboratory (Mechanics, Surfaces, Materials, and Processes) in Lille, initiated the creation of this expertise, in collaboration with Pierric Joseph, lecturer-researcher at the LMFL (Fluid Mechanics Laboratory) in Lille, now co-head of the program.
A program built on the skills and disciplines already present on campus
The project quickly gained the support of the site's teaching and research staff, drawing on the campus's strong and pivotal expertise in the nuclear field: electrical engineering, design, manufacturing, hydraulics, and thermo-hydraulics.
The goal: to draw on the skills already present on campus to build a coherent and ambitious training program.
After approval by the school administration (CEVE), the expertise was integrated into the third year at the Lille campus, complementing the third-year core curriculum thanks to the support of Nathalie Klement, who is responsible for it, and designed to complement the program's training offering, thanks to the advice of Nadège Troussier, Deputy Director General in charge of training.
Expertise based on strong strategic partnerships
The rapid development and structuring of expertise in "Nuclear Systems Engineering: Operation and Control" was also made possible thanks to the strong support of industry players, including:
EDF
A long-standing sponsor of the Lille campus and the industrial management training chair, EDF is a co-signatory of the partnership agreement created around the expertise of "Nuclear Systems Engineering: Operation and Management" with the Université des Métiers du Nucléaire. EDF provides the majority of professional contributors and has actively supported the project since its inception.
The University of Nuclear Professions (UMN)
The University of Nuclear Professions (UMN) is a major institutional partner providing expertise. Thanks to the agreement signed with Arts et Métiers, students who complete the program will be able to obtain a "Nuclear Passport" in addition to their degree, subject to conditions of attendance.
Not to mention the invaluable support of other major players in the sector.
...such as Framatome, Orano, and Assystem, which will contribute to the training program through specialized courses and industrial projects.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the professional environment through company visits, such as a tour ofthe RTE showroom, as well as the Gravelines nuclear power plant, an iconic industrial site, which is integrated into the training program through visits and on-site classes.
Among the topics covered:
- Reactor design and operation
- Maintenance and nuclear safety
- Energy mix and low-carbon transition
- Hydraulics, thermohydraulics, and fluid mechanics applied to nuclear power
The involvement of numerous professionals in the sector via the UMN will enable students to benefit from teaching rooted in real-world experience and prepare them for their professional integration into a rapidly expanding industry.
Expertise acclaimed since its first year of operation
Despite a late announcement of the opening of the program during last year's application period, the program attracted considerable interest: 23 students enrolled (out of 24 available places), including seven students from the Lille campus.
The campus management also supported the project by allocating a dedicated room on a trial basis, strengthening the local roots of this new expertise. Those involved in the training program (students, companies, speakers, etc.) will be invited to make this space their own by furnishing and decorating it according to their needs (furniture, decorations, equipment, etc.).
Finally, the campus registrar's office and AM Talents, particularly Hafida Souidi, with regard to the introduction of expertise in work-study contracts, ensured that this first academic year got off to a smooth and efficient start.
Thank you to all the professionals and institutions involved for their commitment and enthusiasm in supporting this project!
