International Engineers by Apprenticeship

During their two years in France your I²FA  acquires a ‘cultural bridge’ understanding how things work both in France and their home country – thus creating a valuable link between your French headquarters and your subsidiaries abroad.

I²FA is an example of ‘win-win-win’ globalization

  • The student ‘wins‘ – a unique international experience, an MSc and an entry-level management position in their home country.
  • ESA ‘wins‘ – the diversity of an ever-expanding international student body.
  • Your company ‘wins‘ – a made-to -measure manager for your international development.

Objectives

The main objectives of this program are to accompany partner companies in their international development and to offer a unique company-sponsored MSc to international students.  ESA has a network of 150 university partners worldwide enabling the recruitment of potential candidates and a long experience in training ingénieurs by apprenticeship. This combination of international presence and pedagogical expertise makes the I²FA a unique program.  Sandwich courses teach apprentices how to structure their work, how to take the initiative and how to build autonomy – the building blocks to the profile our partners look for in their international recruits, while the strong emphasis on intercultural training during the program is key in developing the  ‘cultural bridges’ that our partner companies so value for their international development.

Testimony

Emanuela Fippi, Industrial Talent Manager, Groupe Lactalis

“I have been chief coordinator of the I²FA program within the Lactalis Group since 2018.  I have seen young engineers form around the world evolve and learn our methods and values. The program allows them to transmit skills, values and know-how to local branches and to contribute to the growth of the company.  Since the inception of the I²FA program, most of our students have held positions of increasing responsibility in their respective countries and today many are in charge of production or plant management. This proves that the program is extremely beneficial to both the students and the company.”

Admissions

Since 2002, over 250 I²FA Ingénieurs, from 37 countries, working for 36 companies, have graduated with flying colours.

Our principal partners are Groupe Lactalis, Vilmorin, Cooperl, LDC, Euralis, Axéréal.

For further information contact:

Fiona Casey
Coordinator I²FA Program
f.casey@groupe-esa.com

Direction of Corporate, Alumni and Philantropic Relations
dream@groupe-esa.com