EDUCATION OF SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The world of telecommunications is undergoing fundamental changes which will have profound repercussions on education. How will the cultural and economic structures of France respond to the tremendous demand for well trained and educated engineers, scientists and technicians. A brief glance at the kind of professionals useful in the field of communication sorts out the needs or trends and highlights three greater concepts: design, building and management of networks and services. Careful scrutiny of education and training systems, Universities and Grandes Ecoles specializing in professional training, shows many constraints but also hopes for more flexibility and involvement in the future. Advantages and drawbacks of long lasting education or short cycle training are compared. Permanent education or alternating school with work at the bench have to be prospected, they actually answer to urgent demand from companies having to adapt to fast evolving technologies. An attractive and efficient way to train people may be education through research. It would connect basic education with applied science: partnership between people dealing with Maxwell's equation and those who span the links of communication and bridge between research people of all nations.