Initial Training
Promoting Photonics Education
Brittany, has a rich and attractive photonics ecosystem. It is made up of research laboratories and companies that are constantly recruiting (+10% jobs per year), as well as higher education establishments that offer a comprehensive range of courses. These courses offer recruiters a diverse pool of qualified young graduates.
We therefore act as a link between education and industry to ensure that these courses meet the companies’ needs. In particular, we support academic centres in structuring and promoting initial training in photonics in the region, so that young people can discover a fast-growing field and train for exciting careers.
Training Pathways
Education in France is centred around the baccalauréat (“BAC”), which marks the end of the secondary education. The training on offer in Brittany ranges from BAC to doctorate level (BAC+8 years). The pathways include vocational courses (BAC Pro), technical courses (BUT, BTS) or engineering courses, either full time at school or in sandwich courses. Find out more about all the possible pathways below.
Are You a Photonics Company?
Think about integrating trainees students into your teams. We have covered everything for you: why recruit them, financial support, contacts, training programmes, internship calendar etc. Download our brochure.
Professions and Training
In order to support their growth, photonics companies are looking for skilled people in a range of occupations. Courses are available in Brittany for all these professions, from operator to engineer.
Photonics Production Operator
Depending on their field of activity, operators are responsible for assembling or manufacturing optical/electronic systems using manual or digital tools. Their main tasks include:
- preparing the necessary components and ensuring that they comply with specifications,
- fitting and assembling parts in accordance with instructions and technical diagrams, using manual tools,
- following strict procedures and safety rules to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the work,
- taking simple measurements and entering numerical data to monitor production,
- keeping the workstation clean and organised to ensure an efficient working environment,
- the basic maintenance of production tools to prevent malfunctions.
Operators are particularly sought after in the fields of fibre optics and polishing of optical parts, where high precision is essential. Operators generally work under the supervision of a team or line manager. The skills required for this job are rigour, precision, dexterity and compliance with procedures.
Training to become an operator
Bac Pro Optique Photonique
Technicians
Technicians take part in the design and production of complex optical systems and may supervise small teams of operators. They work in laboratories, in companies specialising in photonics or in applications sectors, under the supervision of an engineer. Their main tasks include
- modelling and prototyping optical systems
- testing, measuring, qualifying and/or characterising new materials, optical components/lasers or optical sub-systems,
- assembling, tuning and testing optical/ laser sub-systems,
- manufacturing products incorporating complex optical systems or lasers,
- the metrology of manufacturing equipment and measurements within the quality department.
The technician’s work requires sound basic scientific and technical knowledge, combined with versatility.
Training to become a technician
Engineers / Project managers
Engineers design and improve new optics and photonics systems, devices and products, working with teams of technicians. Their main tasks include:
- using their high-level scientific knowledge (optics, photonics, materials, lasers, etc.) to design innovative products,
- working to internal or external specifications,
- a strong interaction with other design offices, particularly in mechanics and electronics (interdisciplinarity).
Thanks to their advanced scientific knowledge, engineers can work in research and development, industrialisation or production. They are involved in various phases of a project, from design to testing, qualification and transfer to production. They work in companies specialising in photonics or in applications sectors.
Find Out More
Would you like to find out more about photonics and its professions? Would you like to find a photonics training course near you? Visit https://www.orientation-photonique.org/.
