Lhe objectives of agricultural training are varied and intended to meet the needs of a wide audience. Contrary to some preconceived ideas, they are not at all reserved for those who “do not work well at school”, on the contrary. The proof: in Maine-et-Loire, two agricultural establishments offer courses of excellence which prepare young people, but also adults undergoing retraining, for numerous professions, notably horticultural production, landscaping and even viticulture. . All in a concrete way, by really putting your hands in the ground.
Fresne, living in all its forms
Near Angers, Le Fresne is a reference in terms of public agricultural establishment. It offers a wide range of training, ranging from CAPa to Bac+3, in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and landscaping. Organic farming, landscaping or management of a farm, garden center sales advice, operator in the agri-food industry or even, preparatory class for veterinary schools (BCPST), the range is particularly wide with one objective: to offer everyone the appropriate curriculum to his desires.
Above all, the Fresne campus is located on a magnificent estate, where learners can practice concretely and put lessons into practice throughout the year, in a real horticultural farm in operation. In total, 24.5 ha of agricultural land, including 5 hectares of above-ground nurseries, 1.3 hectares of organic market gardening, 4 ha of natural meadows classified Natura 2000 and 5000 m² of greenhouses. Suffice to say, a dream learning ground, located in the heart of one of the main French horticultural production areas.
Edgard Pisani, the prism of viticulture and oenology
The Edgard Pisani agricultural high school, located in Montreuil-Bellay, also offers a whole range of training, from professional baccalaureates (conduct and management of the wine business, landscaping, services to people and animation of territories, etc.), to BTS and Professional patents with a prism more focused on the professions of viticulture and oenology. Here too, students and apprentices benefit from a concrete and real approach, since they can access a real life-size wine estate, the Haut Bellay estate, i.e. 14 hectares of vines in AOC Saumur, a cellar equipped with tip as well as a sales and tasting cellar where to make their ranges. High school students, apprentices and adult interns work on the vineyard and cellar work on a daily basis and participate in marketing activities. Each year, 60,000 bottles are sold directly in the tasting cellar.
Note that it is possible to enter Edgard Pisani very early, by joining a 3rd career preparation course where the teachers are as close as possible to their students with a personalized approach which applies the Montessori method. For well-being and harmonious development, equine therapy and animal mediation sessions are held there.
Participate in national competitions of excellence
Each year, learners from the two public establishments are encouraged to participate in professional competitions: the Careers Olympiad (WorldSkills) and that of the Best Apprentices in France. With success! At Fresne, two students finished second at the WorldSkills from September 14 to 16, 2023 and will therefore compete at EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark. In Edgard Pisani, a young girl won first prize in the communication test at the Young Wine Professionals Competition in 2023.
More generally, and beyond the competitions which salute the students' commitment and desire to surpass themselves, these training courses pave the way to success, with excellent rates of integration and continuation of studies: 91% for Le Fresne, out of 800 learners, and 94% for Edgard Pisani, out of 400 registered. Figures that would make many sectors dream…
Training also open to adults
These public agricultural establishments also welcome adults in the process of retraining or in search of meaning after a first professional experience which did not satisfy them. They can follow courses ranging from CAP to professional license, including specializations in landscape, viticulture, horticulture, commerce, tourism and personal services.
Sectors increasingly oriented towards the international
Both institutions are keen to develop strong international cooperation. Le Fresne has even been piloted in this area, since its twinning with the Munich horticulture school is almost 50 years old – the oldest school twinning in Angers. Every year, fruitful exchanges take place between the two countries. Beyond Germany, Le Fresne maintains strong relationships with other countries, such as Morocco: this year, four students from the Meknes Institute are following the BTSa Plant Trades in its entirety.
To open its borders and teach other techniques to its students, Edgard Pisani developed links with Argentina, where wine production is totally different from that of France. Argentine students participated in the Domaine du Haut Bellay grape harvest in October 2024. The establishment is determined to increase international cooperation projects in order to continue to offer its learners exceptional learning and exchange opportunities. Maine-et-Loire is therefore the land of all possibilities!
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