IFMA Engineer

Advancing 

Advancing 

L’Institut Français de Mécanique Avancée 

The French Institute for Advanced Mechanics 

The French Institute for Advanced Mechanics

La volonté de l’IFMA 

et de sa Fondation 

Former des ingénieurs citoyens 

à dimension internationale 

de haut niveau scientifique, 

experts en mécanique avancée 

et génie industriel, des ingénieurs 

pour lesquels le savoir être 

enrichit harmonieusement 

le savoir et le savoir-faire. 

Les 5 atouts de l’Institut basé sur le triptyque 

“Formation, Recherche, Entreprise” : 

Former des ingénieurs experts en mécanique avancée et génie industriel 

capables d’évoluer dans des environnements multiculturels, respectant 

la charte éthique professionnelle IFMA ; 

IFMA and the IFMA 

Foundation : our mission 

To train socially responsible 

engineers with high-level scientific 

skills, experts in advanced mechanics 

and industrial engineering with 

an international dimension; engineers 

whose training includes interpersonal 

skills which enrich their knowledge 

and know-how. 

Affirmer une politique de recherche ambitieuse et internationale basée 

sur l’excellence et l’innovation ; 

Entretenir des relations étroites entre les milieux socio-économiques et 

l’Institut en renforçant la valorisation de la recherche et le transfert de 

technologie ; 

Veiller, en fonction des évolutions scientifiques et techniques et en liaison 

avec la Fondation IFMA, à ce que les formations soient en adéquation 

avec les besoins actuels et futurs des entreprises ; 

Soutenir la vie étudiante comme élément de formation au savoir être. 

L’Institut bénéficie de bâtiments modernes et d’un centre de transfert de technologie 

High Tech de 3200 m 2 ainsi que d’un environnement régional offrant 

le spectacle grandiose des volcans, des lacs, et de forêts qui comblera les 

passionnés de VTT, d’alpinisme, de ski, d’équitation et de sports aériens. 

La Ville de Clermont-Ferrand, avec plus de 35 000 étudiants, propose une 

multitude d’activités et d’évènements culturels et sportifs. 

The 5 advantages of the Institute, based on the triple theme of 

Training, Research and Enterprise: 

Training expert engineers in advanced mechanics and industrial engineering, capable of working in multicultural environments, 

respecting the IFMA professional ethics charter. 

Asserting an ambitious international research policy based on excellence and innovation. 

Maintaining close relations between the Institute and the socio-economic world, reinforcing the development of research and technology 

transfer. 

Guaranteeing, by monitoring scientific and technical advances in conjunction with the IFMA Foundation, that training programs are 

adapted to the current and future needs of industry. 

Supporting student life as part of the soft skills learning process. 

The Institute is housed in modern buildings, with a cutting-edge technology transfer centre of 3200 m 2 , situated in a 

regional environment offering the grandiose spectacle of volcanoes, lakes and forests which will delight fans of mountain 

biking, climbing, skiing, horse-riding and air sports. The City of Clermont-Ferrand, with over 35,000 students, 

proposes a multitude of activities and sporting and cultural events.

T H E S C H O O L 

Editorial 

“ 

Because it is necessary to respond to economic and 

societal conditions which are constantly changing, 

Because companies need engineers capable 

of developing technical expertise and 

adapting to multicultural environments, 

Key figures 

IFMA is committed to an institutional project 

(2008-2011) based on its distinctive advantages. 

• 623 student engineers 

and 36 apprentice 

engineers for academic 

year 2008-09 

• 1500 IFMA graduate 

engineers 

• 44 companies and 

organisations members 

of the IFMA Foundation 

• 58 permanent teaching staff 

• 39 administrative and 

technical personnel 

members 

• €8 216 221 consolidated 

budget (2008) 

• 3 research laboratories 

attached to a CNRS 

Research Federation 

• 21 current research 

contracts for a total of 

€587 965 

• 3200 m 2 of high-tech 

industrial equipment in 

the Technology Transfer 

Centre 

• Active participation in 

3 regional competitiveness 

clusters, ViaMéca, 

Céréales Vallée and 

InnoViandes 

• 600 high-school and 

university students benefit 

from IFMA equipment and 

personnel in programmes 

for sharing academic 

resources 

• 150 universities et 350 

companies in nearly 50 

countries are partners or 

in close contact with IFMA. 

The project 

is based on 

internal and 

external 

actions 

• The existence and role of the IFMA 

FOUNDATION, veritable bridge between the 

world of Enterprise and the world of 

Higher Education and Research. 

• The affirmation of an AMBITIOUS RESEARCH 

POLICY within the framework of Clermont 

Université on the themes of advanced 

mechanics and production engineering. 

• IFMA's INTERNATIONAL CULTURE, with 

100% international mobility in industry. 

• SPECIFIC ADVANCED MECHANICS TRAINING 

to produce experts in these fields. 

• The importance of HUMAN, SOCIAL AND 

INTERCULTURAL TRAINING to develop engineers' 

soft skills in parallel with their 

technical knowledge and know-how. 

INTERNAL ACTIONS via the renovation of the academic programme, carried out 

conjointly by the industrialists of the IFMA Foundation, the teaching and research 

staff, the Institute's graduate engineers and our students. Starting in September 2009, 

the student will become the actor of his training – training in direct contact with the 

realities of industry and the major questions of society, environment and research: a 

customised programme in a constantly changing socio-economic context. 

EXTERNALLY, the stakes are to affirm our position in the European field of excellence 

in advanced mechanics via relations with a national or international thematic 

network, using the enhanced responsibilities offered by the new French LRU law 

(increasing the autonomy and the responsibility of universities) and reinforcing our 

interaction with Clermont Université and the regional competitiveness clusters, in 

particular ViaMéca. 

Through this project, IFMA aims to bring a better response to the expectations of its 

partners: student engineers, apprentice engineers, partner companies, 

the IFMA Foundation, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, 

local and national institutional partners and Institute personnel. 

Pr. Pascal RAY 

Director 

“

The origins of IFMA 

IFMA’S MISSIONS 

IFMA Engineer 


Industrial Engineering specialty 

(in partnership with ITII Auvergne via apprenticeship). 

Training citizen-engineers, 

experts in advanced 

mechanics, capable of 

adapting to multicultural 

environments. 

• Recruitment via competitive exam after "Grandes Ecoles" preparatory school, or at 

DUT, L3 or M1 level (mechanical specialisation). 

• The student becomes the actor of his or her training, and constructs his/her programme. 

• Students receive a solid grounding of scientific and technical training. 

• 28% of the programme is devoted to human, social and intercultural training. 

• 100% international mobility in industry for a minimum of 5 months. 

• Possibility of double programme with Research Master's degree. 

• Possibility of double Engineer/Entrepreneur programme with Clermont Business School. 

1991: 

Creation of the Institute. 

1994: Graduation of 

first IFMA engineers 

2005: IFMA celebrates 

its 1000 th graduate 

2008: First apprentice 

ship programme 

graduates 

2008: Founding 

member of Clermont 

Université and 

Clemont College of 

Engineering 

• Recruitment at BTS, DUT (Mechanical or Production specialty), 

L3 level, or after technological preparatory classes. 

• Alternating work-study programme over 3 years – 52 weeks at 

IFMA, 89 weeks in industry. 

• 100% international mobility of 8 weeks in industrial internship. 

These two diplomas may also be obtained via Continuing 

Education or Validation of Experience (VAE) 

Creating bridges between the 

world of enterprise and the 

world of higher education and 

research. 

Affirming an ambitious 

research policy within 

Clermont Université based 

on excellence and innovation. 

IFMA Foundation 

Composed of 44 member companies and organisations, the 

IFMA Foundation is strongly implicated in the IFMA's daily 

operation and development projects. 

Enterprise at the heart of engineering 

training 

• 12 months minimum obligatory industrial internships 

• Students use 3200m² of high-tech equipment (Technology 

Transfer Centre) to prepare them for the real industrial world. 

• Over 50 guest lecturers from the world of industry. 

Mec@prod technology transfer platform 

IFMA proposes, via the Mec@Prod technology transfer platform, 

continuing education activities in CAD-CAM, metrology, machining, 

sheet metals, polishing, high-speed machining, industrial 

organisation and production management. 

To ensure cross-pollination between teaching 

and research, IFMA: 

• hosts and co-administers with Blaise Pascal University the 

Mechanical and Civil Engineering research Master 

• performs research activities via three laboratories and a 

research federation: 

- LaMI, Mechanical and Engineering Laboratory – EA 3867: 

- LIMOS, Computing, Modelling and Systems Optimisation Laboratory – 

UMR CNRS 6185: 

- LasMEA, Sciences and Materials for Electronics and Robotics 

Laboratory – UMR CNRS 6602: 

- FR TIMS research federation – FR 2856 

For more information: 

www.ifma.fr

F O U N D A T I O N 

“With our experience of industry, and 

conscious of the needs of the socio-economic 

world, the members of the IFMA 

Foundation want to share with the students 

our open-mindedness and our respect for 

human values. We also want to give 

tomorrow's engineers the advantages to 

succeed in varied and changing environments. 

This determination to advance which 

characterises IFMA is strongly encouraged 

by the Foundation. We also contribute to 

enhancing the school's reputation and 

visibility, both nationally and internationally. 

It is an exhilarating mission. 

René ZINGRAFF 

President of the IFMA Foundation 

“ 

• Anticipating the evolution of 

companies and their needs 

• Participating in the personal 

development and training of the 

engineers of tomorrow 

• Supporting student engineers in 

their projects 

• Favouring the development of IFMA 

PRESIDENTS OF THE IFMA FOUNDATION 

Mr Valéry Giscard d’Estaing 1991-1998 

Mr François Michelin 1998-2004 

Mr Edouard Michelin 2004-2006 

Mr René Zingraff since 2006 

Facilitating 

relations between 

IFMA and the 

industrial world 

• Organisation of 

monthly public 

conferences 

• Patronage of each 

graduation group by 

an industrial leader 

• Course participation 

by invited industrial 

managers and 

specialists 

• Offers of industrial 

projects and 

internships and 

publication of 

job offers 

• Awareness raising 

via visits to industrial 

plants 

OUR MISSIONS 

To manage evolution in the 

socio-economic world 

• Reflection about the evolution of the engineering profession 

• Adaptation of the IFMA academic programme to this evolution 

To participate in the governance of IFMA and to promote its image 

• 7 Foundation members sit on the IFMA Board of Directors. The President of the Board is 

automatically a member of the IFMA Foundation 

• 3 members on the Scientific and Academic Council 

• Participation in the entrance exam jury and various other IFMA bodies 

• Participation in the elaboration of IFMA's development strategy 

To provide financial support for student engineers 

• Financial aid for student engineers' International Year 

• Financial and material support for projects presented by student associations 

• The IFMA Foundation Prize, awarded each year on Graduation Day to a graduating 

engineer for the excellence of his or her student career and personal qualities

OUR PARTNERS 

44 founding members 

ACC INGÉNIERIE ET MAINTENANCE, ALCAN, 

ALSTOM, AUBERT ET DUVAL, AMIS, APM 

GROUPE, ARCELORMITTAL, BANQUE NUGER, 

BANQUE POPULAIRE DU MASSIF CENTRAL, 

CAPGEMINI, CENTRE FRANCE MÉCANIQUE, 

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CENTRE FRANCE, 

DANONE EAUX FRANCE/VOLVIC, DASSAULT 

AVIATION, EDF, EXXON CHEMICAL FRANCE, 

9 professional organisations 

FOUNDING MEMBERS 

HEWLETT PACKARD FRANCE, HURON GRAF- 

FENSTADEN, INGEROP, IMPRIMERIE BANQUE 

DE FRANCE, LA MONTAGNE CENTRE FRANCE / 

FONDATION M. ET A. VARENNE, LIMAGRAIN, 

MICHELIN, NUM, OWENS ILLINOIS, PSA 

PEUGEOT CITROËN, RENAULT, SCHNEIDER 

ELECTRIC FRANCE, SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, 

SUN, SNCF, THALÈS, U G S, VINCI ÉNERGIES 

• CCI CLERMONT-FERRAND / ISSOIRE, 

• CCI MONTLUÇON / GANNAT, 

• CCI RIOM, 

• CCI THIERS, 

• SYMOP (Syndicat des Entreprises de Technologie de Production), 

• U.I.M.M. ALLIER (Union des Industries Métallurgiques), 

• U.I.M.M. CENTRE ET SUD AUVERGNE (Union des Industries Métallurgiques), 

• URIS-AUVERGNE (Union Régionale des Ingénieurs et des Scientifiques), 

• A2I (Association des Ingénieurs IFMA). 

3 local and regional authorites 

• CONSEIL RÉGIONAL D’AUVERGNE, 

• CONSEIL GÉNÉRAL DU PUY-DE-DOME, 

• VILLE DE CLERMONT-FERRAND 

Privileged partners, the members of the 

IFMA Foundation benefit from a high 

profile in the Institute: 

Associate members 

• Areste Informatique, 

• Ets Auchatraire, 

• Arno Industries, 

• Caisse d’Épargne 

Auvergne Limousin, 

• Cooper Menvier SAS, 

• CCI Le Puy, 

• Casimir, 

• private individuals… 

BECOMING A 

FOUNDING MEMBER 

To become a founding member of 

IFMA, the capital contribution is 

currently determined according to the 

interested company's turnover. 

An appeal for funds is organised every 

year. Each founding member is free to 

contribute or not. The amount of the 

contribution is discretionary. 

Their advice is often 

sought concerning the 

evolution of professions 

and training programmes. 

They are members of the 

College of Founders, 

and participate in the annual 

general assembly, 

where major strategic 

orientations are discussed. 

Founding members are 

involved in the governance 

of IFMA, and undertake 

to provide regular 

support to the Institute 

through the provision of 

manpower, materials or 

financial means. 

The members of the 

IFMA Foundation are 

kept up to date on IFMA 

news and developments, 

and are invited to 

all our events. 

• Participation in IFMA Employment-Enterprise Days 

• Participation in IFMA conferences 

• Founding member's name and logo on the IFMA and Foundation web sites, with links to 

member's institutional site 

Founding members have priority access to IFMA for: 

• recruitment of IFMA engineers, 

• IFMA student engineers for industrial projects during internships, 

• contracts with Apprenticeship programme students, 

• expertise provided by research laboratories, 

• technology transfer, 

• improvement of employee skills via Continuing Education. 

FISCAL ADVANTAGES 

Donations and bequests made to the IFMA Foundation are exempt 

from taxes. 

Companies can deduct 60% of donations from their profits up to 

5/1000 of their turnover. 

Individuals may deduct 66% of donations from their taxes (up to 20% 

of their taxable income or 75% in the case of fortune tax). 

Upon reception of a donation, the IFMA Foundation remits a fiscal 

justification for the tax authorities. 

Contact: 

Bertrand PIMORT - IFMA foundation representative 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 80 63 • E-mail: fondation@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr

A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M M E S 


RECRUITMENT 

Training socially 

responsible engineers 

in advanced mechanics 

capable of adapting to 

multicultural environments. 

Students enter IFMA after the "Grandes Ecoles" entrance exams (over 90% of IFMA student 

engineers) or after 2, 3 or 4 years of higher education in a mechanical speciality. The admission 

process includes psychological tests, an interview and oral exams in 2 foreign languages. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE CURRICULUM 

Objectives of 

the programme 

TO ENABLE THE 

FUTURE ENGINEER TO: 

• develop scientific and 

technical expertise 

• integrate rapidly his 

or her future career 

• possess the capacity 

to adapt throughout 

his or her professional 

life to varied and 

changing multicultural 

environments 

A custom-made programme 

• INTERNATIONAL: the student wishes to progress in varied and changing international and 

intercultural contexts. 

• RESEARCH: the student's ambition is to work in a large company in the field of R&D (Research 

and Development) or else wishes to continue his or her studies to prepare a doctorate. 

• ENTERPRISE: the student is interested in the creation or purchase of a company. 

• THEMATIC: the student wishes to acquire greater expertise in a particular discipline (logistics, 

mechanical design, robotics, etc.) 

• SECTORIAL: the student wishes to work in a particular sector of activity (aeronautical, 

automotive, rail, consulting, etc.) 

Presentations of sectors and businesses are made to students in their first year 

to help them construct their program. 

Opening the syllabus beyond our frontiers 

• 100% international mobility in industry for a minimum of 5 months. 

• Possibility of a double diploma with a partner university. 

• Relations with over 150 universities and 350 businesses in around 50 countries. 

83 % 

17 % 

Production 

internship 

51 % 

49 % 

Assistant 

engineer 

internship 

36 % 

64 % 

Final 

engineering 

project 

IFMA 1 IFMA 2 IFMA 3 

Increase your experience with the 

world of industry 

• Placements and projects in relation with 

industry, with increasing responsibility. 

• The IFMA Fondation, a bridge between the 

world of industry and the world of higher 

education. 

• Specialised courses given mainly by industrialists. 

Contacts : 

Christophe CAUX 

Deputy Director - 

Director of Studies 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 81 08 

E-mail: 

Christophe.Caux@ifma.fr 

Bruno ASTRUC 

Associate Director 

of Studies 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 80 53 

E-mail: 

Bruno.Astruc@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr 

Courses 

Internships & projects 

Developing scientific and 

technical expertise 

3 teaching departments divided into 

7 specialisations 

• Structural design and reliability. 

• Characterisation and use of materials. 

• Production and industrialisation 

processes. 

• Innovative mechanical systems. 

• Control of complex mechanisms. 

• Design and management of industrial and 

logistics systems. 

• Organisation and management of production. 

Deploying a double skill: 

engineer/entrepreneur 

Engineer/entrepreneur double diploma programme 

with Clermont-Ferrand Business 

School, enabling students to obtain a Master's in 

Management along with their IFMA Engineering 

Master's degree. 

Soft skills 

28% of courses are devoted to human, social 

and international training (personal development, 

meeting management, leadership, 

economics, intercultural management, modern 

languages, accounting…).


Industrial Engineering specialty, 

in partnership with ITII Auvergne - 

apprenticeship programme 

Training multi-skilled 

engineers, open to the 

world and adapted to 

the activities of SMEs. 

PARTNERS 

The Institute for Industrial Engineering Techniques (ITII), is a partnership 

between the metallurgical profession and higher education institutions, 

whose role is training engineers. 

The Auvergne ITII is composed of the Union of Metallurgical Industries and 

Trades (UIMM) and the Auvergne region Centre for Industrial Apprenticeship 

Training (CFAI), which organises training through apprenticeship in the 

Clermont Academic Region and partner training institutions. 

For the IFMA diploma in Industrial Engineering via apprenticeship, IFMA is 

responsible for the organisation of the courses, in collaboration with the 

Auvergne CFAI. 

RECRUITMENT 

Selection at DUT or BTS level, 

or after technological preparatory 

classes. The admission 

process includes an interview, 

and written and oral English 

tests. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE PROGRAMME 

Maintaining permanent contact with industry 

89 weeks in industry during the three-year programme. 

A WORK-STUDY BALANCE 

TO FAVOUR PROFESSIONALISATION 

AND TRAINING 

IFMA 

Enterprise 

1 rd year 1 week 1 week 

2 nd year 1 week 1 week 

3 rd year 1 semester 1 semester 

International experience 

8 weeks' obligatory industrial internship in an English-speaking country. 

The advantage of inductive pedagogy 

Groups of 12 apprentice engineers. 

Pedagogy adapted to the practical situations experienced by the students in industry. 

The advantage of double tutoring 

Each student is mentored by an academic tutor as well as a company tutor, to guarantee 

the coherence of the training and optimise the alternating rhythm of the programme. 

Enriching soft skills 

35% of courses devoted to human, social and international training (personal development, 

meeting management, leadership, economics, intercultural management, 

English, marketing, economic intelligence and strategic benchmarking …) 

Course 

objectives 

TO ENABLE THE 

FUTURE ENGINEER TO: 

• design and organise 

integrated 

production systems, 

• manage projects 

and people, 

• manage innovation. 

Contacts: 

Christophe CAUX 

Deputy Director - 

Director of Studies 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 81 08 

E-mail: 

Christophe.Caux@ifma.fr 

Séverine DURIEUX 

Associate Director 

of Studies 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 81 11 

E-mail: 

Severine.Durieux@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr

R E C R U I T M E N T 

Recruitment 

of IFMA engineers 

TRENDS 

• Rapid professional placement of IFMA engineers, confirmed by the latest graduation figures 

from June 2008. 

• Of the last 2 groups of engineers to graduate, 18% currently work abroad. 

• Confirmation of the automotive and aeronautical industries as the largest recruiting sectors. 

• Confirmation of R&D functions as the main activity of IFMA graduates, followed by design 

office and consulting. 

PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT 

3 % 

3 % 

Survey figures 6 months 

after graduation 

8 % 

Professionally employed 

Further study 

86 % 

International voluntary 

work 

Seeking employment 

FIRST EMPLOYMENT 

Average search time 

1,5 months 

Means of obtaining first job 

21% Internet 

Sectors of activity 

21% 

Internship during IFMA 

studies 

Spontaneous 

application 

Functions 

5% 

5% 

3% 

2% 1% 

34% 

58% 

Automotive, aeronautical, naval, rail 

43% 

7% 

Other industrial sectors 

Design office / Consulting 

Energy 

22% 

19% 

9% 

Metallurgy and transformation of metals 

Public works / Construction 

Computer technology 

11% 

4% 1% 

10% 

24% 

Chemical and pharmaceutical 

Agriculture 

Commerce / Retail 

Research and Development 

Production - Operation - 

Maintenance - Quality 

Design – Consulting 

Purchasing – Logistics 

Commercial engineer 

Computing 

17% 

20% 

63% 

Geographical mobility 

Paris region 

Rest of France 

International

EVOLUTION OF THE RECRUITMENT 

OF IFMA ENGINEERS 

Gross annual salary in euros 

Survey carried out in September 2008 

28 340 

67 720 

1998 

Starting salary 

30 830 

43 000 

2003 2005 2006 2007 

Current salary 

32 000 

39 170 

Mobility between and within companies 

33 230 

37 300 

36 650 

33 550 


ENGINEERS 

GIVE THEIR 

OPINION 

Alexandra Rebet 

IFMA Engineer 2007 

Design engineer, 

aerial contact lines 

(tram power systems) 

Alstom Transport, France 

"I joined Alstom Transport 

on 2 nd July 2007. When I 

arrived in the design office, I 

was lucky to have 2 months 

of acclimatisation, during 

which, working in support of 

my colleagues, I learnt about 

the various tasks of my new 

trade. After this period, I was 

assigned my first project: the 

Paris tram system. At the 

end of this difficult project 

(everything was new for me) 

I moved on to the Mulhouse 

tramway, and today I am 

working on the Mexico 

subway, where my first 

2 projects are underway." 

2007 graduates 




82% 

15% 3 % 

57% 35% 6% 

55% 38% 7% 

55% 37% 12% 

1 st job 

2 nd job 

3 rd job or greater 

Xavier Rancoule, 

IFMA Engineer 1998 

Senior Purchasing Manager 

Procter & Gamble - 

Geneva, Switzerland 


MISCELLANEOUS 

6% 37% 

54% 

• 50% of IFMA engineers work in companies 

of 2000 employees or more. 

• 85% of engineers obtain a permanent 

contract for their first job. 

PRINCIPAL EMPLOYERS OF IFMA ENGINEERS 

• Renault 

• Michelin 

• Alstom 

• EADS 

• PSA 

• Suez 

• ArcelorMittal 

• Dassault Systèmes… 

IFMA ALUMNI 

ASSOCIATION (A2I) 

A2I is the association of former IFMA 

students, which publishes employment 

offers, produces a directory of graduates 

and organises an annual alumni reunion. 

“Once I graduated, I joined 

the Ingérop group, a member 

of the IFMA Foundation, 

in Brazil. Responsible for 

costs and planning on large 

industrial projects, I was able 

to use the knowledge gained 

at IFMA in project management, 

human and social 

relations, and technical 

fields. 3 years later, attracted 

by enterprise management 

and finance, I left to complete 

my training with an 

MBA from America's prestigious 

Cornell University. In 

2005, I joined Procter & 

Gamble in Geneva, where 

my double academic background 

enabled me to 

progress steadily in purchasing, 

just as at ease in a 

chemical factory as with my 

suppliers' financial management 

teams." 

www.a-2-i.org

I N D U S T R I A L R E L A T I O N S 

IFMA, a project 

designed BY and FOR 

industry 

Since the beginning, IFMA and the 

Foundation have placed industry at 

the heart of our training, with the aim 

of producing engineers in phase with 

the needs of companies. 

Open to the industrial world, the Institute 

offers today a large range of 

collaborations. 

STUDENT ENGINEER PROJECTS AND 

INTERNSHIPS: a win/win idea 

• for the student, who acquires independence, expertise and 

experience, 

• for the company, whose projects are carried out by dynamic 

students under the guidance of an academic tutor. 

TYPE OF 

INTERNSHIP 

PROJECT 

STUDENT 

ENGINEERS 

CONTENT 

AND OBJECTIVE 

DATES 

Production 

internship 

4 th semester 

project 

1 st year Discovery of the industrial 

world 

2 nd year Specific technical problems, 

feasibility, technical analysis 

of alternatives 

July - August 

1 - 2 months 

February-May 

90 hours 

Assistant 

engineer 

internship 

2 nd year Methods, technical activity 

in France or abroad 

May - September 

5 months 

5 th semester 

project 

3 rd year Open technical problems, 

search for solutions, 

management of a complete 

project 

September - January 

120 hours 

THE IFMA FORUM: 

fast access to 

future staff 

Recruiting an engineer 

is becoming more and 

more costly and complex. 

The IFMA Forum 

gives potential access 

to 160 future engineers 

via a general presentation 

of your company 

and individual interviews. 

The forum is held 

every year in February. 

Final 

engineering 

project 

3 rd year 

Focus on the 2009 final projects 

38% 

15% 

11% 

36% 

23% 

6% 

Engineering mission to 

solve a given problem 

under the guidance of 

an IFMA tutor 

30% 

41% 

February - September 

6 – 7 months 

LOCATION SUBJECTS TYPES OF COMPANY 

32% 

8% 

8% 

52% 


Auvergne 

National 

Europe 

Materials and structures 

Design of machines and 

mechanical systems 

Industrial and logistics 

systems 

All profiles 

Groups 

SMEs 

Institutional 

Laboratory

The Technology Transfer Centre: a high-tech 

experimental facility 

With the Technology Transfer Centre (CTT), IFMA has an experimental 

facility of 3200m ² equipped with high-tech innovative experimental 

tools, shared by research and technology transfer activities. The CTT is an 

open space for exchanges, where students, teachers, technicians and 

engineers work on concrete projects with the Institute's partners and 

interact on technical problems. 

Méc@Prod: for technology transfer and continuing education 

activities 

Technology transfer: 

helping your business to evolve 

Companies are subjected to strong pressures to evolve in an economically changing 

context. Through Méc@Prod, IFMA offers companies the skills of its engineers, 

teaching staff and researchers, whatever the organisational level, methods or tools. Our 

services are founded on technical and scientific expertise, experimental potential and the 

proximity of the School, and respond to demanding industrial requirements. 

Apprenticeship 

tax: a strategic 

financial lever 

Representing 11% of 

IFMA's budget, the 

apprenticeship tax reflects 

the good relations 

between the 

school and industry. 

By channelling your 

tax towards IFMA, you 

are supporting our 

school's projects and 

participating in the 

preparation of future 

engineers through the 

acquisition of cuttingedge 

industrial equipment 

for training, 

research and technology 

transfer. 

Continuing education: a key tool to enhance your skills 

Developing a company's potential is becoming more and more critical, due to rapid industrial 

changes and recruitment difficulties. IFMA proposes a custom-made continuing 

education service dedicated to the needs of industry. The School accompanies businesses 

at all levels of training and in all its skills domains, from technical English to 

manufacturing, via organisation methods, mechanics and design strategies. Provided by 

the Institute's teachers and researchers, these training courses may take place on your 

premises, depending on the programme. 

Continuing education can often be the starting point for a long-term partnership to 

accompany the company's technological mutation. 

IFMA Industrial Relations department: 

a privileged contact and access to collaborative projects 

In tune with businesses and in collaboration with regional competitiveness clusters 

(ViaMéca, InnoViandes and Céréales Vallée), the Industrial Relations department is at your 

disposal to study your project, from a technical as well as an economic or collaborative 

point of view, and to accompany you on the road to success. 

Contact: 

Professor Emmanuel DUC 

Director of Industrial Relations 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 80 96 

E-mail: Emmanuel.Duc@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr

R E S E A R C H 

Research at IFMA 

IFMA is a scientific centre which is recognised in the fields of mechanical engineering 

and production systems. The underlying research strategy at our institute is to propose 

innovative and reliable solutions for the design of materials, structures and machines, 

to provide the requisite performance of these systems throughout their lifecycle and to 

ensure the quality and efficiency of production systems in a demanding, changing and 

diversified environment. IFMA's objective is to become, thanks to our impact and our 

reputation, a centre of excellence in the scientific domains furthered by our research 

teams. 

ORGANISATION OF OUR 

RESEARCH ACTIVITY 

Research activities in the three laboratories 

of the TIMS research federation 

(FR 2856 CNRS/UBP/UA/IFMA) 

• LaMI, Mechanical and Engineering Laboratory - EA 3867: 

Materials and Structures, Machines, Mechanisms and 

Systems, Probabilistic Structural Mechanics. 

• LIMOS, Computing, Modelling and Systems 

Optimisation Laboratory- UMR CNRS 6158: 

Modelling, Organisation and 

Management of Production Systems. 

• LASMEA, Sciences and Materials for Electronics and 

Robotics Laboratory - UMR CNRS 6602: 

Robotics and Complex Autonomous Systems 

A major player in large regional projects 

• Active participation, via the TIMS research federation, in the 

Innov@pole State-Region project. 

• Strong participation in the Auvergne region's competitiveness 

clusters (ViaMéca, Céréales Vallée, InnoViandes). 

• Hosting of the ViaMéca cluster's offices on IFMA premises. 

It is characterised by a strong local 

integration and an efficient implication 

in networks and projects, on both a 

national and international level. 

Active participation in training for 

and through research 

• IFMA participates in the Auvergne College 

of Doctoral Schools, as a founding member 

of "Clermont Université". 

• Support institution for the Engineering 

Sciences Doctoral School of Clermont- 

Ferrand. 

• Co-accreditation with Blaise Pascal 

University for the Mechanical and Civil 

Engineering Master's degree. 

• IFMA student engineers are encouraged to 

follow a double degree programme with a 

research Master. 

• Hosting of PhD and post-doctoral students.

ORGANISATION OF 

OUR RESEARCH 

ACTIVITY 

International 

partnerships 

Scientific partnership 

agreements with international 

universities: 

Technical University of 

Cluj-Napoca (Romania), 

University of New 

Hampshire (USA), Old 

Dominion University 

(USA), University of Toronto 

(Canada), Chiang 

Mai University (Thailand). 

Participation in a training 

and research centre at 

Beihang and Tsinghua 

universities (China) within 

the framework of AIP- 

PRIMECA Auvergne. 

SOME KEY FIGURES (2007) 

• 28 permanent academic research staff 

• 9 doctoral theses presented 

• 22 publications in international reviews 

• 2 patents registered 

• 21 research contracts for an annual total of €587,965, 

of which €455,525 managed by IFMA 

SCIENTIFIC POLICY 

Our scientific policy has two objectives: structuring the site within the framework of 

Clermont Université and IMFA's determination to develop close relations with a 

thematic network. This policy is articulated around the following priorities. 

Strategic priorities 

Operational priorities 

A daring 

development policy 

Hosting of an AIP-PRI- 

MECA resource platform 

aimed at 

stimulating training and 

research in integrated 

design and production 

engineering. This centre 

is a privileged environment 

for transferring research 

results towards 

education and industry. 

Partnership between 

IFMA and Phiméca 

Engineering SA, an enterprise 

created by academic 

research staff from 

the IFMA Probabilistic 

Structural Mechanics 

team. 

• To play a leading role in the sector of 

Sciences and Technologies for Information 

and Engineering (ST2I) within the 

regional framework of Clermont Université. 

• To promote quality research based on 

the excellence of our research teams. 

• To develop an interdisciplinary approach 

within the institute to further 

the emergence of common scientific 

projects. 

• To accentuate synergies between training, 

research and development. 

• To reinforce scientific priorities and 

improve their visibility. 

• To promote, develop and consolidate 

shared research projects within Clermont 

Université. 

• To increase the visibility and impact of 

our site within the framework of 

Clermont Université. 

• To favour the integration of young 

teachers and researchers. 

PRINCIPAL 

PARTNERSHIPS 

- Competitiveness clusters 

(ViaMéca, AESE, 

Inno Viandes, Céréales 

Vallée) 

- CPER, Innov@pole 

- ANR, CNRS, Union 

Européenne 

- EDF, Michelin, Airbus... 

Contact: 

Professor Alexis BEAKOU 

Director of Research 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 80 16 

E-mail: Alexis.Beakou@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr

I N T E R N A T I O N A L 

IFMA international culture 

Whatever his or her country or field of activity, a modern engineer will inevitably work 

in a multicultural environment. In IFMA, engineering students have a school with a strong 

international culture: 

• 100% international student mobility – minimum 5 months' industrial 

internship 

• Possibility of various international placements (assistant engineer, final 

engineering project) 

• Possibility of studying 1 semester in a European university 

• Possibility of obtaining a double diploma in conjunction with a partner 

university (underway) 

• Possibility of an international gap year 

• 2 obligatory foreign languages (English + German or Spanish or Italian) 

• Chinese 3 rd language option 

• Interculturel management classes 

• 18 % of IFMA teaching staff are of international origin 

• Invited professors from international universities 

• Over 20 international Masters and PhD students in our research laboratories 

Olivier (USA - Spain) 

THE AIM OF THE IFMA INTERNATIONAL SYLLABUS: 

STUDENT 

ENGINEERS 

ABROAD 

• 125 student engineers are 

currently in their International 

Year (February 2009 

to January 2010): 

. 6 months in industry / 

. 6 months in a university 

research laboratory 

Canada 

10 

USA 

1 

27 

6 

3 

Mexico 

Chile 8 

1 

1 

60 

Europe 

(EU + central Europe) 

Brazil 

Argentina 

Scandinavia 

• Reinforce self-reliance and adaptability 

• Acquire multi-cultural teamwork skills 

• Consolidate language competencies 

9 150 

34 92 

2 

South Africa 

China 

10 

Thailand 

5 1 

1 

Japan 

Australia 

16 23 

New Zeland 

4 

Top 5 destinations (1994-2008) : 

IFMA students abroad in 2009 

124 

Number of 

student engineers 

121 

in a university 

laboratory 

Number of 

student engineers 

in industry 

UNIVERSITIES 

1 • UK 

2 • Australia 

3 • USA 

4 • Spain 

5 • Germany 

INDUSTRY 

1 • Germany 

2 • UK 

3 • USA 

4 • Spain 

5 • Australia

Nicolas (UK - Spain) 

Currently Project 

Manager in China 

IFMA'S INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS 

As well as 52 Erasmus agreements with European universities, IFMA has privileged 

contacts in over 150 universities and 350 companies in around 50 countries. 

Among our partner universities: 

• Universität Karlsruhe (Germany), 

• Universität Stuttgart (Germany), 

• Monash University (Australia), 

• University of Toronto (Canada), 

• Beihang University (Chine), 

• Universidad de Sevilla (Spain), 

• Universidad de Vigo (Spain), 

• Politecnico di Torino (Italy), 

• Nagoya University (Japan), 

• Technical University of Cluj Napoca 

(Romania), 

Among our partner companies: 

• Airbus Deutschland 

(Germany), 

• Bosch (Germany), 

• BMW (Germany), 

• British Aerospace (UK) 

• Daimler-Chrysler (Germany, 

Spain), 

• Eurocopter (Germany), 

• Faurecia (Germany), 

• FCI Framatome Connectors 

(Spain) 

• Ferrari (Italy), 

• GexCon (Norway), 

• Hoerbiger (UK), 

• Hurel Hispano (UK), 

• Mazak Europe (UK), 

IFMA INTERNATIONAL DAYS 

• Chiang Mai University (Thailand), 

• University of Bath (UK), 

• University of Cambridge (UK), 

• Manchester University (UK), 

• University of California Los Angeles (USA), 

• Florida Atlantic University (USA), 

• Massachussetts Institute of Technology 

(USA), 

• University New Hampshire (USA), 

• Old Dominion University (USA)… 

• Messier Dowty (UK, USA…), 

• Michelin (USA, Hungary, 

Thailand…), 

• Schlumberger (USA), 

• Thales (UK), 

• Valeo (Germany, Mexico…), 

• Volkswagen (Germany)… 

With the aim of contributing its technical and academic expertise in developing 

countries, IFMA is currently participating in the elaboration of a partnership programme 

with the University of Kumasi (Ghana). 

To reinforce co-operation with international academic and industrial partners, every 

year IFMA organises its International Days. 

EX-PAT IFMA 

ENGINEERS 

TELL US WHAT 

THEY THINK 

Morgan Bonnet 

IFMA 2006 

Project manager, Hawaï 

Natural Energy Institute 

(USA) 

"After an experience in Germany 

with Siemens-VDO, I 

recently signed on with the 

Hawaii Natural Energy Institute 

as a researcher (hybrid 

vehicles). My International 

Year was an enormous 

benefit: better foreign language 

and communication 

skills, more self-confidence, 

concrete experience of the 

industrial world…" 

Bertrand Gineste 

IFMA 2000 

Patent examiner, 

European Patent Office 

(Germany) 

"The International Year 

enabled me to embrace the 

cultural difference as an 

opportunity, rather than an 

obstacle, and to gain in 

humility. 

It also consolidated my 

linguistic, technical and 

personal skills." 

Student engineers from the 5 member institutions of the Clermont 

College of Engineering collaborate in student events which complement 

the more institutional programme, alternating 

conferences given by international 

guests, round tables, presentations by 

ex-pat IFMA graduates, international 

evening, photo exhibition, forum, sports, 

pub quiz, etc. 

1 st job 

abroad 

18% 

17% 

26% 

Contact: 

David TURNER 

Director of International Relations 

Tel: (+33) 473 28 80 68 

E-mail: David.Turner@ifma.fr 

www.ifma.fr 

Arnaud (Brazil, UK) 

2006 2007 2008

S T U D E N T L I F E 

Express your talents… 

…with the numerous IFMA 

student associations 

At IFMA, you can develop your 

organisational, management and 

communication talents with numerous 

clubs and associations, or 

simply through sports, cultural 

activities, charity work, technical 

pursuits, etc. 

SPORTS 

The Sports Office (BdS) 

manages IFMA student 

sports activities. As well 

as classic sports like 

football, rugby or basketball, 

Ifmanature enables 

students to try 

outdoor sports like climbing, 

hiking, snowshoe 

hiking, mountain biking, 

cycling, etc. Equipment 

is provided, and a qualified 

team is on hand for 

safe and exciting outdoor 

sports. 

MOTOR SPORT 

• IfmaKart participates, with its 2 go-karts and IFMA student drivers, in the Auvergne 

regional championship and organises the "Inkartades" qualifications for the final of the 

French university kart cup. IFMA students were French kart champions in 2008. 

• IRS (Ifma Rallye Sport) has a Citroën Saxo VTS, which it enters in regional rallies. 

• The members of TIM (Team Ifma Motoracing) assist two professional riders in 

the Supermotard championship with mechanical and technical support, and thus learn 

about the stress of competition and all the pre-race preparations. In addition, thanks 

to the recent acquisition of a race-prepared Honda CB-R 125, the team plans to enter 

two student engineers in the 125cc endurance championship. 

• Mécaction: with the help of a group of enthusiasts, IFMA students who are fans of old 

cars help to perpetuate our automotive heritage by renovating 

and exhibiting the club's vehicles. 

AIR, (IFMA Riders 

Association) is interested 

in all types of sports 

like skiing, snowboarding, 

skating, surfing, 

etc. AIR organises a ski 

week, surfing weekends 

and also regular skiing 

trips in the region. 

TIE (Inter-Schools Tournament) 

is the largest 

engineering student-organised 

sports tournament 

in Europe. A team 

from IFMA participates 

each year. 

GOOD CAUSES 

• With the Maroc’Ailes team IFMA 

students participate in the 4L Trophy, a 

rally across the Moroccan desert aboard 

a Renault 4, combining sport, adventure 

and solidarity. Solidarity, because the 

aim of the trophy is also for each team to 

transport a minimum of 50kg of school 

supplies and sports equipment for 

Moroccan children. 

• The SOUC (Clermont Students' International 

Solidarity) collects funds and 

obtains equipment to finance projects 

and raise student awareness of the 

problems of developing countries. 

• The aim of TEIC 

(Clermont Student Engineers' Telethon) 

is to collect money for the French 

Myopathy Association. The students 

organise a walk between Lyon and 

Clermont-Ferrand and various other 

fund-raising operations. 

• ACTIS comprises student engineers 

who want to transmit their passion for 

science and technology to primary and 

secondary school children. A whole 

range of mini-workshops are designed 

and built by the students every year for 

this purpose.

ARTS AND CULTURE 

• The International team’s mission is to open students to international 

affairs, broaden their cultural horizons and improve their mastery of 

languages. The team participates actively in the integration of international 

students, the hosting of thematic events and the organisation of the 

IFMA International Days 

• The Media Library club lends novels, cartoon albums and mangas by 

pooling members' resources 

• The SICom team films student evenings and other events involving IFMA 

clubs and associations. The team produces TV news, advertising, 

documentaries, photos, etc. 

• The Dance club caters for novices who want to learn a few steps for fun, 

or for experts in Rock 'n Roll or West Coast Swing. 

Some events… 

• Every year, various events punctuate the life of the 

school and the university campus: "Clermont 

celebrates its students", integration weekend, interschools 

sports trophies, the IFMA Gala, etc. 

• Between 80 and 95% of each year group are 

members of IFMA associations. 

• IFMA students are represented by the Students' 

Office (BdE) 

• EDELI (IFMA Student Enterprise) is an association providing commercial 

services within a Junior Enterprise framework. 

Accommodation 

in Clermont 

On-campus, next to 

IFMA: fully-equipped 

studio flats connected 

to the IFMA computer 

network. 

City centre, 10 minutes 

by tram: numerous 

university accommodation 

possibilities, 

proposed by the Clermont-Ferrand 

CROUS. 

IFMA actively helps 

1 s t -year students to 

find accommodation. 

Clermont-Ferrand, a 

city of culture 

300,000 inhabitants, 35,000 

students, 2 universities, 6 graduate 

schools - Clermont is 

definitely a student city. Over 

the years, the Clermont conurbation 

has built infrastructures 

to host an astonishingly dense 

and varied programme of 

shows and cultural events. 

Clermont-Ferrand, a sports capital 

Studying in Clermont & 

the Auvergne region 

At the intersection of the A71, A72 

and A75 motorways, generously 

served by rail links and boasting an 

international airport, Clermont- 

Ferrand has the advantage of 

being very centrally located.. 

With the ASM rugby team, Clermont Football team, not to 

mention basketball, the regional capital is a particularly sportoriented 

city. Stadiums, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf 

courses, an ice rink and motor racing circuits regularly host 

national and international competitions. On a daily basis, 

these infrastructures are at the disposal of amateur sports 

users. 

Crédit photo : ADDT 63 

The Auvergne, a 

land of open spaces 

In the immediate vicinity of 

Clermont, the surrounding 

countryside offers a 

grandiose vista of 

volcanoes, lakes and 

forests which will delight 

fans of mountain biking, 

climbing, skiing, horseriding, 

water sports and 

air sports. 

Contact: 

BDE - Students' Office 

http://www.bdeifma.fr/ 

www.ifma.fr

Advancing 

Institut Français de Mécanique Avancée 

French Institute for Advanced Mechanics 

Campus de Clermont-Ferrand / Les Cézeaux 

BP 265 - 63175 Aubière Cedex - France 

Tél. : +33(0)4 73 28 80 00 • Fax : +33(0)4 73 28 81 00 

Clermont Université 

Clermont University 

Collégium des Écoles d’Ingénieurs 

Clermont College of Engineering 

www.ifma.fr

IFMA Engineer

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?