RTE, Lyon 1 University and Nexans launch a unique Master’s pathway in France to prepare future electrical network engineers

As the energy transition reshapes electrical networks and creates new demand for specialised skills, RTE, Lyon 1 University’s IUT and Nexans have combined their expertise to co-develop the “Sustainable Electrical Networks Engineering” (IRED) Master’s pathway, a unique Bac+5 work-study pathway in France, within Lyon 1 University’s Master’s in Energy. This university curriculum brings together higher education instruction, industrial expertise and practical application, closely aligned with the sector’s recruitment needs.

Meeting the new skills needs of the electricity sector

The energy transition and the renewal of electrical networks are accompanied by a growing need for specialised skills. The study "Employment and skills needs of the electrical networks sector", published in 2025 as part of the France 2030 programme, estimates that nearly 2,800 recruitments of expert electrical engineering executives will be required between 2025 and 2030. It also highlights the value of developing specialised training pathways, in addition to existing offerings, to support changing job profiles and strengthen the sector's attractiveness.

To meet this challenge, RTE, IUT Lyon 1 and Nexans co-developed the IRED Master’s pathway as part of the "Écoles des réseaux pour la transition énergétique” programme, created by the electrical networks sector (Enedis, RTE, FNTP, SERCE, GIMELEC and SYCABEL), supported by France 2030 in partnership with the Ministry of National Education. This higher education qualification complements the MELEC vocational baccalaureate and the BTS Electrotechnics programmes currently offered by 178 partner high schools. It includes specific training modules on electrical networks such as understanding the power system and mastering power electronics for monitored and smarter electric grids.

Concretely, the IRED Master’s pathway can lead to careers as electrical engineering engineer, electrical project manager, business development manager, and other roles at the heart of the electrical networks sector.

A university programme developed with industry and closely aligned with field realities

Unique in France, this programme prepares students for careers in electrical network engineering through a pedagogy built around the needs of industry, combining academic teaching, industrial expertise and company immersion. Over the two-year course, 40% of university teaching is designed and delivered by RTE and Nexans experts, enabling students to benefit from experience directly connected to the sector's operational challenges.

This programme complements existing pathways into engineering by offering a strong specialisation in electrical networks and by diversifying the profiles entering this strategic sector.

Inspiring interest among a broad audience

The sector is also continuing its actions to strengthen the attractiveness of its training and professions and to broaden its recruitment pools. By promoting awareness of the professions, fighting stereotypes and highlighting role models, sector stakeholders help make these future-facing jobs known to all talents and work to increase female participation.