FAQ

Yes. Apprentices are involved in practical projects:

• plant maintenance,
• safety and risk analysis,
• radiation protection and nuclear measurements,
• modifications and new works,
• decontamination and decommissioning projects.

These assignments provide genuine field expertise.

The program is demanding, but open to a variety of scientific and technical profiles.
The admission process primarily evaluates:

• motivation,
• rigor,
• the ability to work in a work-study program,
• understanding of the nuclear engineer profession.

Yes. As with all Mines Saint-Étienne engineering programs, the IGN/IGIN includes a minimum of 12 weeks abroad (internship, mission, or academic stay).

No. Specific knowledge is acquired during the training: nuclear physics, safety, radiation protection, processes…
However, an interest in science, energy, and regulated environments is essential.

Yes, the degree is accredited by the CTI, awarded by Mines Saint-Étienne, in partnership with the INSTN, and highly recognized throughout the nuclear industry.

Yes. The French nuclear industry is experiencing strong growth: plant life extension, maintenance, new projects (EPR2), decommissioning, waste management, engineering…
The demand for engineers is high and long-term.

Yes. Apprentices are integrated gradually.
Depending on the sites, an administrative background check or security clearance may be required, but companies are accustomed to training and supporting young engineers.

There are many: safety, radiation protection, operations, maintenance, design, decommissioning, project management…
Engineers quickly advance to positions of responsibility (maintenance manager, safety manager, project manager, technical director…).

Rigor, a sense of responsibility, autonomy, organizational skills, and team spirit are essential. Technical curiosity and the desire to work in a field with high safety requirements are also indispensable.

Yes, and accommodations are possible. The teams at ISTP and Mines Saint-Étienne offer dedicated support to adapt the program if necessary.

No. The cost of the training is financed by the company’s OPCO and costs nothing to the apprentice.

It is possible in certain cases (restructuring, contract termination, change of activity, etc.). ISTP supports students to secure their academic journey.

Yes. The schedule is progressive and balanced: it alternates several weeks at school with several weeks in a company, allowing for rapid application of learning without overburdening academic periods.

No. Some graduates pursue:

• Specialized Master’s,
• MBA (later),
• Lean Six Sigma certifications,
• management training or sector-specific expertise.
  However, the majority directly enter professional life.

ISTP supports each candidate:

• CV workshops and interview preparation,
• connection with a network of partner companies,
• distribution of numerous offers tailored to the profile,
• individual follow-up with a recruitment officer.
  On average, an eligible candidate receives around twenty offers.

Yes. All Mines Saint-Étienne x ISTP work-study engineering programs include 12 weeks of international experience, in the form of an internship, project, or academic stay.

• Free training,
• Monthly remuneration,
• High employability,
• Valued professional experience,
• Integration into the company network,
• Facilitated career transition.

• Apprenticeship: reserved for those under 30 (except for exemptions), alternating school/work periods, apprenticeship contract.
• Continuing Academics: for experienced professionals, specific funding, a pace compatible with professional activity.

It depends on the apprentice’s age and year of training, from 55% to 100% of the SMIC (or more, according to collective agreements). Apprentices aged 26 and over receive at least the SMIC.