The Écoles de Production: accessing jobs in high demand through hands on training: #LearningByDoing

From locksmithing and metal working to boiler making or machining, the Écoles de Production offer young people aged 15 to 18 qualifying training courses based on a “learning by doing” approach: students acquire professional expertise by fulfilling actual client orders. This unique approach relies on multiple players working in close collaboration with the common goal of addressing social and economic educational challenges of the various territories. On January 01, 2024, the Écoles de Production national network comprised 67 institutions and another five are due to open by the end of 2024.

As early as 2018, TotalEnergies Foundation has committed itself to supporting the development of this network to the best of its ability. The goal is now to multiply fourfold the number of schools until reaching 100 facilities with an enrollment capacity of 4,000 students each, in 13 regions by 2028.

The Écoles de Production: an other way to learn a profession

The Écoles de Production are certified, private, non-profit establishments offering a tangible solution to the challenges of unemployment faced by young people. Students acquire practical knowledge, an expertise that is well sought-after by employers. They rely on a human-scale educational model, with classes of 10 to 12 students under the supervision of a vocational teacher, thereby guaranteeing personalized guidance and training. Furthermore, by welcoming 15 year-old students, the Écoles de Production offer a new solution to school drop-out.

Training courses accessible to all

Indeed, the Écoles de Production allow young applicants to enroll based on the sole criteria of motivation, without taking previous academic performance into account. The great diversity of the student body encourages open-mindedness, fellowship and self-surpassing. Students with learning difficulties or living in conditions of extreme social fragility can therefore find a positive and stimulating environment in the company of their peers and vocational teacher.

The results speak for themselves: a 90.5% pass rate was registered for the Professional Abilities Certificate (CAP) and 88% for the Vocational Baccalaureate, in 2023. Several students were also awarded gold medals at the MAF (Best apprentice in France) contest. Furthermore, 93% of young people trained in the Écoles de Production ultimately decided to further their education or managed to find a job.  

Dynamic development of the network

Since 2018, the Écoles de Production have been blooming and gaining in popularity: the number of schools has grown from 25 to 62 establishments, and another five are due to open by the end of 2023. The network has developed so successfully that it now covers 5 regions and 22 departments, enabling it to offer locally-based training to more prospective students. And the momentum is continuing, with a dozen projects in the pipeline for 2025.

TotalEnergies Foundation is committed to supporting the creation of new schools specialized in industrial careers until the latter reach financial stability, by helping to finance feasibility studies, purchase equipment and seed funding. It also partakes in the financing of a solidarity fund targeted at helping students in their daily struggles (e.g.: transportation, accommodation, food expenses). Over 710 young people have already received support.

On January 01, 2024, the financial support provided by TotalEnergies Foundation had resulted in the creation of 37 new establishments and the expansion of 10 existing facilities.

A successful partnership for young people, territories and businesses

The process of creating an École de Production is part of a territorial project and relies on the need for academic, organizational, administrative (municipalities, regions and State) and economic players to work closely together.  More than 2,000 companies, including small and medium-size businesses, have signed partnerships with Écoles de Production.

TotalEnergies Foundation has decided to provide the Fédération Nationale des École de Production with substantial support.  Not only is this endeavor in line with our values and expertise, but it also constitutes a tangible and inspiring complementary approach to foster the professional inclusion of young people and a response to businesses’ needs, thus contributing to the vitality of the territories across France.