A 3-year, 100% work-study engineering programme
The Energy Valorization Engineer programme is based on a balance between scientific, technical, managerial, and environmental education, essential for supporting companies in their energy transition.
The alternating school/company rhythm allows for progressive skill development, perfectly adapted to the challenges of energy efficiency, sobriety, and optimization of industrial processes.
General Structure of the Programme
Each year alternates between periods in a company and periods at school, following an evolving rhythm that allows for:
- the acquisition of fundamentals,
- the development of autonomy,
- the management of energy optimization missions,
- participation in projects with high environmental and economic impact.
The programme is structured into teaching blocks designed with ISTP.
📚 Teaching Blocks
1. Energy Sciences and Technologies
This block forms the technical foundation for the future IVE engineer.
It covers energy processes, thermal phenomena, modeling, and the scientific tools necessary for diagnosing and optimizing systems.
Courses
- Applied Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Energy Balances and Diagnostics
- Modeling of Energy Systems
- Thermal Engineering and Processes
- Energy in Industrial Processes
- Techno-economic Studies
- Emerging Technologies (RES, biomass, methanization…)
Objectives
- Understand the physical operation of energy systems.
- Model and analyze consumption.
- Identify optimization levers.
- Size and compare energy solutions.
2. Renewable Energies and Sustainable Systems
Block focused on technologies and solutions to reduce environmental impact.
Courses
- Photovoltaic & Solar Thermal
- Biomass, Biogas, Methanization
- Heat Pumps & Geothermal Energy
- Waste Heat Recovery
- District Heating and Cooling Networks
- Hybrid Systems and Energy Storage
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Objectives
- Design and size RES installations.
- Integrate RES into existing systems.
- Evaluate environmental and economic impacts.
3. Energy Performance and Process Efficiency
Block dedicated to auditing, optimization, and continuous improvement.
Courses
- Energy Audit Methodology
- Optimization of Industrial Processes
- Monitoring, Metrology, Instrumentation
- Measurement and Verification Plan (M&V)
- Energy Performance of Buildings and Infrastructure
- Low-Carbon Strategies
- Energy Regulations (ICPE, tertiary, industry)
Objectives
- Conduct a comprehensive energy diagnosis.
- Propose an energy efficiency roadmap.
- Measure gains and monitor performance over time.
4. Management and Corporate Culture
Cross-cutting block aimed at developing the strategic vision and interpersonal skills essential for the engineering profession.
Courses
- Professional Communication
- Project Management & Team Management
- Leadership and Change Management
- Business Management & Economic Analysis
- Energy Procurement and Energy Markets
- Risk Analysis & Industrial Safety
Objectives
- Adopt a responsible engineer’s attitude.
- Manage a team or a large-scale project.
- Understand organizational and economic challenges.
5. Project Management
Methodological block for effective management of energy improvement actions.
Content
- Planning (Gantt, PERT)
- Budget Monitoring and Cost Control
- Risk Management & FMEA Analysis
- Cross-functional Management
- Multi-stakeholder Coordination
- Site Management and Technical Interventions
Objectives
- Manage an energy efficiency project from start to finish.
- Coordinate internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor progress, risks, and performance.
6. Professionalization
Block promoting gradual integration into the professional world.
Content
- Industrial Case Studies
- Technical Tool Workshops (software, measurement, simulation…)
- Preparation for Company Missions
- Professional Demeanor & Communication
- Work on the Engineer’s Thesis
Objectives
- Develop a credible professional demeanor.
- Apply knowledge to concrete cases.
- Prepare the thesis and defense.
7. Programme Operation
Block dedicated to monitoring, support, and structuring the engineering pathway.
Content
- Meetings with the Tutor Group
- Synthesis Councils
- Expert Conferences (industry, local authorities, energy, consulting…)
- Educational Reviews & Skills Assessments
🧪 Company Projects and Missions
During the three years of the work-study programme, engineering students participate in operational missions such as:
🔧 Techniques and Processes
- Optimize the consumption of an industrial process.
- Develop energy performance models.
🌱 Renewable Energies
- Manage the implementation of a methanization plant.
- Study or size a RES installation (heat pump, solar, biomass).
🔥 Energy and Networks
- Operate a heat production facility (district heating network, boiler room).
These projects are supervised by a company tutor, an ISTP referent, and Mines Saint-Étienne faculty.
🌍 International Mobility
During the three years, each student completes at least 12 weeks abroad, in the form of an internship, company mission, academic mobility, or language immersion.
Objectives: develop cultural openness, strengthen adaptability to multicultural environments, and consolidate professional English proficiency.
🎓 Diploma Validation
The IVE engineering diploma is awarded after:
- validation of skill blocks,
- company missions,
- international experience,
- engineer’s thesis,
- final defense before a Mines Saint-Étienne jury.
The diploma is accredited by the CTI (Commission des titres d’ingénieur).
Contacts
Academic Coordinator
Riadh Lakhmi – Mines Saint-Étienne
riadh.lakhmi@mines-stetienne.fr
Admissions – ISTP
ingeinfo@istp-france.com
🔗 Learn more
Label
Accreditation
The Energy Valorization Engineer program is accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI).
The program is registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP 18936).