Since 2011, Arts et Métiers inthe PHARES program (Par-delà le handicap avancer et réussir des études supérieures, or "Beyond Disability: Moving Forward and Succeeding in Higher Education"). This is a national student mentoring program for secondary school students with disabilities. PHARES is currently operating at the Paris site. Arts et Métiers students Arts et Métiers sign up as mentors. In this way, they help young people realize that their differences are a strength and that they have everything they need to find their place in society and the world of work.

"The PHARES program is a very enriching human experience. I became aware of the obstacles and difficulties that people with disabilities face. My greatest satisfaction was seeing the change in the attitudes and behaviors of the young people during the program, and having contributed to that change. I also grew thanks to this program." Julie Ghene, tutor in 2013/2014

Raising awareness among tomorrow's managers

As part of the Hanploi & School program, proposed by theCED association, students also benefit from lectures and debates dedicated to managing people with disabilities. As with other aspects of diversity, the school is committed to training talented individuals who can contribute to changing attitudes and practices. Every year since 2014, second-year engineering students at Arts et Métiers site in Arts et Métiers organize the HandiMet week, as part of an academic project. Around ten workshops dedicated to disability management in the workplace are offered to all students and staff at the site.

Another example illustrates the school's commitment. During the annual Arts et Métiers Forum, it organizes a Handicafé© in collaboration with Fedeeh (Student Federation for Dynamic Studies and Employment with a Disability) and Adapt (Association for the Professional Integration of People with Disabilities). This concept, created by Adapt, aims to facilitate meetings between students and young graduates with disabilities and recruiters.

This is also a challenge for engineering schools, where the proportion of female students remains well below that of male students. Promoting science and technology among young girls is a priority for Arts et Métiers. This priority is gradually bearing fruit: in ten years, the percentage of young women enrolled in generalist programs has risen from 9.3% in 2006 to 18% in 2016.

To contribute fully to this dynamic, the school is involved in numerous initiatives at the local and national levels. These initiatives aim in particular to inform middle and high school girls about scientific studies and the diversity of career paths available to engineers.

Gender Equality Plan 

Article 80 of the Civil Service Reform Act of August 6, 2019, made it mandatory to implement a multi-year action plan on professional equality between women and men.
The Civil Service Reform Act reinforces and structures actions in favor of gender equality and the fight against violence.

This reinforcement is explained by the following two observations:
- on the one hand, despite the actions taken so far, significant inequalities between women and men persist;
- on the other hand, the response to gender-based and sexual violence and discrimination still needs to be improved.

Consequently, and logically, higher education institutions, including Arts et Métiers committed to this process and must develop their multi-year action plans by December 31, 2020.

The objectives of this multi-year action plan for gender equality are:
- to assess the current situation at Arts et Métiers;
- to respond to any gaps identified and take corrective action where necessary;
- to regularly evaluate the situation based on indicators defined in the plan;
- communicate on all these elements with a view to increasing efficiency and transparency.

Click here to access the Gender Equality Plan.

Student mentors from the Elles Bougent association

Since 2008, the school has been a partner of the Elles Bougent association, whose goal is to introduce young girls to engineering and technical studies and careers. Arts et Métiers students Arts et Métiers participate in all of the events organized by the association (networking and career forums, "Women in Engineering" or "Women Innovating for Digital Technology" days, etc.). Many of them are also involved as mentors for Elles Bougent, sharing their experiences.

The school also supports the WoMen'Up association, which is dedicated to promoting gender diversity in the business world by involving younger generations.

"Technology, feminine noun": promoting careers in the industrial sector

Building the industrial France of 2030

Since 1780, Arts et Métiers to keep pace with industrial revolutions, thanks to its unique identity, which combines science and technology, pragmatism, capacity for action, and human qualities. Born out of the mechanization of industrial activities, the institution has expanded its knowledge and skills in line with developments in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and then industrial engineering.

To anticipate and respond to the changing needs of businesses, the school has developed research activities that support innovation. Always attuned to the expectations of businesses and local communities, it has expanded to various locations. The institution now has 13 sites in France and one site in Morocco. It has two subsidiaries: AMTALENTS for continuing education and AMVALOR for applied research for businesses.

Training leaders in responsible industries is essential to building the industrial France of 2030. Arts et Métiers professionals in the field who design and support innovations resulting from research, enabling human organizations to adapt to the digital and ecological transitions currently underway.

Responsible businesses and industries work to meet the needs of women and men, manage their impacts, and contribute to a fair and secure future for society.

Building on this unique positioning, in line with its regional roots and humanist values, Arts et Métiers sustainable development and social responsibility at the heart of its institutional strategy, in its training and research activities and its partnerships. Ecological transition is a key theme in Laurent Champaney's action plan for his second term as Director GeneralArts et Métiers. The momentum has accelerated with the adoption of the 2023-2027 SD&SR action plan. The entire Arts et Métiers ecosystem Arts et Métiers mobilizing to meet the challenges of responsible reindustrialization. The institution remains committed to a humane and sustainable future.

Arts et Métiers therefore Arts et Métiers to integrating sustainable development issues into its institutional strategy across all of its activities: governance, teaching, research, site management, and social policy. 

The main points of the Arts et Métiers SD&SR action plan

The plan is based on the DD&RS label's priorities, in line with the objectives of the government's energy efficiency plan, the Convention for the Transition of Higher Education Institutions (CTES), the ADEME framework, and the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals. :

"This plan is a priority. It places sustainable development and social responsibility at the heart of the institution's strategy. We are therefore all mobilized to respond to the challenges of responsible reindustrialization." - Laurent CHAMPANEY, Chief Executive Officer ofArts et Métiers

The Board of Directors

Its main role is to define the institution's policy. As such, it is responsible for voting on the budget and approving the accounts. It also validates agreements and conventions signed by senior management and deliberates on all matters submitted to it.

The Executive Committee

It is composed of the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Chief Executives in charge of research and innovation, training, resources and management, the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Communications and Marketing, and the Chief of Staff in charge of CSR. Its mission? To assist the Chief Executive Officer in implementing strategic and operational priorities.

The Management Committee

The steering committee comprises the members of the executive committee, the directors of the Arts et métiers campuses Arts et métiers permanent guests.

The Council for Studies and School Life

Its 27 members, drawn from the main functionsArts et Métiers senior management, site management, professors and research directors, teaching and administrative staff, etc.) or selected for their teaching skills, have an advisory role. Their responsibilities include the general direction of training programs, applications for accreditation to award degrees, social action, and measures to promote cultural, sporting, social, and community activities.

The Scientific Council

An essential part of science policy, this 30-member body allocates research funding. It sets the rules for how laboratories operate and is consulted on agreements with research organizations. Its role also includes adopting measures that enable students to contribute to the dissemination of scientific, technical, and industrial culture.

The Territorial Council

Chaired by the Director General, it is composed of the presidents and directors of the teaching and research sites, as well as one representative from each region in which a site is located. This body is consulted on the school's regional policy guidelines.

Delegations and appointments

Whether in their educational projects, within the framework of associations or even in business, students integrate this ethical and sustainable dimension into their daily thinking. In addition, the school offers Specialized Master's® programs focused on sustainable development:

• Expert in sustainable construction and housing
• Change and Sustainable Innovation Manager
• Project and Production Expert , Renewable Energy (EXPPER)
• Project Manager for Charging Infrastructure and Electric Vehicles
• New Energy Management Manager (SYSPEC)

This topic, which has major economic and social implications, also falls within the scope of relations between schools and businesses. Depending on their areas of expertise, sitesare approached by manufacturers or public organizations to assist them with their sustainable development projects.

Examples ofArts et Métiers contributionArts et Métiers innovative business projects

The Arts et Métiers site Arts et Métiers Bordeaux was approached by the Airbus Group to find an energy solution suitable for a two-seater electric aircraft concept and to help implement the industrial resources needed for its production. The Bordeaux site also worked with Advtech, a company specializing in innovative mechanical solutions, to develop the structure and prototyping of urban wind turbines.

The Arts et Métiers Paris site is involved in designing a system for extracting brake particles from automobiles. Tallano, an engineering firm specializing in microparticles, is drawing on the school's expertise to develop a turbine.

An eco-friendly wooden hall on the Cluny site

Support and mentoring

Since 2010, the school has been a partner ofthe Passeport Avenir association, whose mission is to help young people from modest backgrounds achieve professional success in fields of excellence. The program includes tutoring sessions, thanks to the skills sponsorship of mentors working in partner companies, as well as thematic workshops and introductions to different sectors of activity.Arts et Métiers engineering studentsArts et Métiers benefit from this support throughout their studies.

The essential role of Arts et Métiers students

Students also have the opportunity to contribute to society by participating in civic initiatives—such as helping to renovate historic or public buildings—or humanitarian and social projects. In 2009, two students from the Arts et Métiers site Arts et Métiers Lille created Tutorat AM, an association that offers math tutoring to young people at a technical high school. Several first-year engineering students, supervised by second-year students, put their skills to work for around 30 high school students.

Another example of student involvement is the OPTIM program ( Orientation and Program for Technology, Engineering, and Management), which aims to support middle and high school students in their transition to higher education. Weekly tutoring, visits to on-site laboratories , and company open days are designed to broaden their horizons and raise their ambitions.

"For one semester, I went to Henri Parriat High School in Montceau-les-Mines every two weeks. I helped two 10th-grade students, Tom and Maxime. A relationship of trust develops between tutors and tutees. We can then advise them and encourage them to pursue the path they like. I really enjoy passing on my knowledge and sharing it with students who need it." Pauline Michel, OPTIM tutor

Participate in regional development

On February 18, 2016, the school signed a partnership agreement withENSMM in Besançon (École nationale supérieure de mécanique et des microtechniques), the only institution in France offering a specialization in mechanics and microtechnology. This partnership approach is fully in line withArts et Métiers  strategyArts et Métiers  to contribute to regional economic development by partnering with leading institutions in their fields.

Multiple forms of cooperation

The Arts et Métiers network, a consortium of higher education and research institutions, aims to better respond to the innovation challenges faced by businesses. Joint initiatives may involve training programs, scientific cooperation, or international development. In addition to ENSMM, the network already includes ESFF (École supérieure de fonderie et forge), ENIM (École nationale d'ingénieurs de Metz), andthe Institut de Soudure, focusing on cutting-edge specialties that offer broad opportunities in industry.