For over 20 years, our training programmes have been meeting the needs of companies in the photonics and imaging sectors, whilst keeping pace with the technological changes associated with Industry 4.0.
Be part of shaping the world of tomorrow!
Train in the fields of imaging and photonics to meet the challenges of the industry of the future
Well-recognised within the professional world, our apprenticeship-based engineering programme in ‘Imaging and Photonics for Smart Industry’ is now a national benchmark in the fields of imaging, photonics and computer vision. Combined with artificial intelligence, these disciplines lie at the heart of a myriad of highly specialised applications.
The training programme thus addresses the growing need for innovation in the industry of the future and the challenges posed by the digital transition.
Training programme
Photonics
Geometric optics
Wave optics
Experimental optics
Photometry
Imaging system in a controlled environment
Image analysis
Image processing
Vision systems and control systems
Theoretical tools for IPSI
Mathematical foundations
Algorithms
Digital data processing
Probability and statistics
Metrology
Innovation Projects
Societal Challenges
Project Management
Communication
Digital Sobriety and Eco-design
Innovation Project: Technical Specifications
Technology Watch and Introduction to Research
Apprenticeship
Work placements
Apprenticeship life
Apprenticeship Tutors’ Day
Year 1 assessment
Language proficiency
Level of English
Photonics
Light–Matter Interaction
Instrumental Optics
Lasers and Applications
Experimental Optics
Light Sources
Complex Imaging Systems
Interoperability and Imaging Systems
Imaging Systems: From Capture to Diagnosis
Image Processing and Machine Learning
Visual Expertise and Image Acquisition
Additional tools for IPSI
Object-oriented programming for image processing
Signal processing
Industrial statistics
Robotics
Sensors
Innovation Projects
Creativity Techniques
Eco-design of digital systems and components: life cycle
Innovation project: prototype
Project management
Multidisciplinary workshop
Innovation
Apprenticeship
Work placements
Apprenticeship life
Year 2 assessment
Language proficiency
Level of English
Photonics
Computer-Aided Design
Characterisation & Measurements
Guided Optics
Optics Project
Experimental Optics
Smart système d’imagerie
Système d’imagerie dans un environnement complexe
Prototypage d’un système de vision complexe
Applications robotique
Innovation Projects
Innovation Economics
Financial Management
Innovation Project: Revenue
Monetising a transition project
Research Approach
Apprenticeship
Work placements
Skills assessment
Year 3 dissertation defence
Business management: feedback
Employment law
Self-marketing
Language proficiency
Level of English
Areas of application
Healthcare, aerospace, optoelectronics, biophotonics, automotive, telecommunications, home automation, metrology, augmented reality, biomedical technology, quality control, pattern recognition, surveillance, industrial process monitoring.
Career opportunities
- Test Bench Development Engineer
- Machine Vision Engineer
- Image Processing Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Technical Support Engineer
- Photonics Applications Engineer.
Admissions
Conditions :
You are under 30 and have completed one of the following training programmes:
- CPGE
- BUT 2 / BUT 3 / DUT (Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science)
- BTS scientifique
- Professional Bachelor’s degree
- A recognised Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a science subject
- Prépa ATS
Admission to the first year of the engineering programme via an apprenticeship specialising in ‘Imaging and Photonics for Smart Industry’ is by competitive examination.
Registration:
Télécom Saint-Étienne coordinates its apprenticeship recruitment with the schools of the Institut Mines-Télécom. You must therefore submit your application via the Institut Mines-Télécom apprenticeship platform.
The platform will be open from February 2 to March 10, 2026.
Admission :
If you are pre-admitted to our school, you will then be invited to take tests on our premises on April 25, 2026:
- An interview with a panel comprising a lecturer-researcher from the school and a qualified professional who graduated from Télécom Saint-Étienne
You will be notified of your eligibility results on April 28, 2026. Admission will take place once the apprenticeship contract has been signed.
Mutual Insurance Innovation Project
A three-year study programme that enables each apprentice to develop their expertise in the specialisms covered by the qualification without necessarily having to carry out tasks directly related to these areas within a company, whilst also equipping them with both research and technological skills as well as cross-disciplinary skills (project management, innovation, meeting management, etc.). Among the latter, the research aspect is prioritised, with a focus on technology watch, reading and summarising scientific articles, etc. As for the innovation aspect, the programme encourages participation in targeted calls for projects (technological challenges, etc.) whilst putting the use of their prototype into perspective. Furthermore, the groups must carry out their project in line with the feedback and comments provided by the mentors. Time is specifically set aside for these projects at each team meeting.
Examples of projects
Apprentices' tasks at the company
Apprentices hold a wide variety of roles within companies.
Following the digital transformation of the last 30 years, there has been a major shift in industry towards digital systems and the industry of the future. Our apprentices spend three years working at the heart of these innovative sectors on a professional project that enables them to progress from technician to engineer.
Discover the 2018-2021 apprentice posters
Discover the 2019-2022 apprentice posters
Discover the 2020-2023 apprentice posters
Innov'actions Student Entrepreneurship Challenge
Every year, a student entrepreneurship challenge, in the form of a hackathon, is held in Saint-Étienne. Over two days, nearly a hundred participants, divided into multidisciplinary teams, devise and develop innovative projects addressing climate-related issues. With the support of experts and coaches, they then present their solutions to a jury of professionals, who select the three best projects.
Take a look at the posters created by the apprentices for 2024–2027
Reviews
Companies hosting our apprentices
