For 13 years, Industry Week has highlighted the players and know-how of local industry through various events. Among the activities offered: company visits, career forums and classroom interventions, with the aim of introducing young people to careers. Every year, the La Borde Basse vocational school actively participates in this unmissable event.
“It’s a week that we are looking forward to with great impatience in the PIPAC section (Pharmaceutical, Food and Cosmetic Industrial Productions), confides Sophie Marcu, professor of biotechnology. We organize company visits for the three levels of the professional baccalaureate – second, first and final year These outings are essential, particularly for second year students who are discovering this environment, but also for final year students, who enrich their vision of possible opportunities.”
A diverse and local industry
The PIPAC section covers three major industrial sectors: pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics. “We are fortunate to have a large number of quality companies in these fields at the local level, with real needs for qualified personnel, underlines Joëlle Jalabert, also a biotechnology professor. The partnership between the school and companies is therefore precious and essential.”
The Soual site of the Pierre Fabre Dermocosmétiques company regularly welcomes students. Dressed in formal attire, the high school students discover in small groups the cosmetics production lines as well as the professionals who manufacture them.
For Clarisse, a second year PIPAC student, this visit is significant: “Pierre Fabre is one of the major national cosmetics companies, and we are lucky to have it here, in Castres. I feel really privileged.”
The first and final year students were received by Damien Chavent, from Brasserie Oxit, specializing in the manufacture of beers and sodas in Beauvais-sur-Tescou. On the program: an immersion in the manufacturing process, with explanations on fermentation, pasteurization and bottling.
Noham and Malone, final year students, particularly enjoyed the experience: “It was really fascinating. We learned a lot about manufacturing and, what's more, their sodas are excellent. The design of the bottles is original, the colors and the style really catches the eye!”
A lasting partnership
The five biotechnology teachers – Sophie Marcu, Joëlle Jalabert, Clémence Vincent, Catherine Piquemal and Amandine Lebrun – welcome the fruitful collaboration with the Tarn Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which contributes each year to the success of these projects. “This privileged link between the school and the local industrial fabric is a real asset for our students. We warmly thank our partners for their commitment and support.”
