APPRENTICESHIP: FEEDBACK FROM A STUDENT APPRENTICE AT ISAE-SUPAERO

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

After having obtained my baccalaureate S with an option in Engineering Sciences, I went to a “classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles” (PCSI) with the aim of joining an engineering school in aeronautics and space later on. However, this course is very focused on theory. I therefore preferred to go towards a training combining theory and practice, which is why I reoriented myself towards a DUT in Physical Measurements at the Sorbonne Paris Nord University. After this DUT, I always had in mind to enter an engineering school. Knowing that the ISAE-SUPAERO was opening its doors to DUTs for the start of the 2020 academic year, I didn’t hesitate a second to apply.
Today, I am an apprentice “Attitude and Orbit Control System Engineer (SCAO)” at the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales de Toulouse (CNES), and it’s exciting!

IN WHICH COMPANY ARE YOU CURRENTLY AN APPRENTICE? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTEGRATION AND YOUR MISSIONS?

I chose to join the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) as an “apprentice satellite control and stabilisation engineer”. My integration went very well. As soon as I arrived, I met my educational tutor who was responsible for introducing me to the rest of the department and also for showing me around the premises. Afterwards, I had a meeting with my head of department and my tutor to discuss the different missions that I will be entrusted with. My missions are the following:

• Creation of a database of SCAO (Attitude and Orbit Control System) equipment
• Characterization of a magnetometer
• Implementation of test manipulation for the MMX Rover project (use of gyroscope for real tests of estimation algorithms)
• SCAO engineer work for the AeroSat mission (nanosatellite)

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ADVANTAGE OF AN APPRENTICESHIP?

I chose the sandwich course because it corresponds to the training model that I see as an ideal way of learning, since it combines theory and practice and allows the application of the knowledge acquired, in direct connection with the professional environment. In a sandwich course, the daily routine is never the same, the rhythm changes regularly. The work-study program also allows you to gain experience, which is an important asset when looking for a job.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AFTER THIS TRAINING?

For the moment, I don’t have any fixed plans for the future. I don’t know if in 3 years I will be able to continue with my thesis. I like learning and I like doing research. For me, studying means listening, being passionate, progressing with eyes wide open to the world and wanting to understand.
If I have the opportunity to continue with CNES, I will continue. Otherwise, why not discover other fields!