Backed by Grand Cognac and several industrial partners, the FER ENSEMBLE school just opened its doors. Jean-Philippe Rouby, President of the school, and Maxime Gacher, its Director, talk about how the program started, their hands-on approach to training, and their long-term goals.

How did the project get started?
It all started with a few key observations.
Local manufacturers, including the Rouby Group companies, were struggling to recruit qualified workers. At the same time, school dropout rates in France remain high. We saw an opportunity to reconnect young people with real career paths while helping meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.
On top of that, no training center nearby was offering programs tailored to the boiler making industry. So, we decided to take action.
What equipment and teaching methods are key to this new approach to training?
In terms of equipment, we’ve made sure the school matches real-world industry standards. We’re equipped just like a manufacturing company, which is a huge advantage for our students since they’re learning on the same machines they’ll use on the job.
Each student works a full 35-hour week, with two-thirds of that time dedicated to fulfilling actual customer orders.
That means they’re producing real parts that will be delivered and used—demonstrating their growing expertise and practical skills.
On the educational side, we’ve developed a strong focus on quality. By involving students in projects that have real purpose and value, we’re helping them build both professional awareness and strong technical abilities.
There’s also a human element: students meet the customers behind the orders, talk with them, and better understand how their parts will be used. That connection gives more meaning to their work and helps them see the bigger picture.
How do you ensure quality?
We use the same production software as our industry partners. Every part is reviewed by our master technician, just like in a company setting. It’s the best way to prepare students for the real world.
Which companies are involved in this project?
FER ENSEMBLE is supported by a network of local industrial companies, many of which are also customers. Public institutions have also stepped up to support and help grow the project. Together, we’re investing in the future of both people and our region.
What certification do students earn?
At the end of the program, students earn a CAP RICS (Réalisation Industrielle en Chaudronnerie ou Soudage, e.g Industrial Realization in Boilermaking or Welding), option A: Boilermaking. To validate this diploma, we rigorously follow the official curriculum established by the French Ministry of Education, including general education courses such as French and mathematics.
In addition to this academic foundation, we enrich the program with our own technical and professional content, tailored to meet the real-world needs of the industry.
More importantly, the entire training program is free of charge for students, ensuring accessibility for all profiles interested in discovering and pursuing this promising profession.
INFORMATION
Diploma: CAP RICS (Industrial Boiler making or Welding)
CONTACT
Website: https://ecole-fer-ensemble.fr/

Tel: 07 84 20 62 08
E-mail: contact@ecole-fer-ensemble.fr

Address: 42 Rue du Buisson Moreau, 16100 Châteaubernard – France