In 2022, the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR) had a dynamic year thanks to its innovative projects, investments in infrastructure, connectivity with the professional world, and promotional actions to attract more students. These successes were crucial in creating a skilled workforce and developing the economy of the region.
Despite the challenges related to the pandemic, the civil engineering program maintained its student body and implemented a framework curriculum plan (PEC) in collaboration with HEPIA. Unique interdisciplinary workshops were also organized in Switzerland, allowing students from different disciplines to collaborate and better understand professional issues. The chemistry program experienced a decline in admissions, but communication actions and events were organized to attract new students. Furthermore, investment in the renovation of the industrial chemistry hall improved infrastructure and working conditions for students and collaborators of the ChemTech institute. HEIA-FR’s projects cover various areas and are directly related to current technological, economic, and social issues.
HEIA-FR strengthened its connectivity with the professional world through a solid network of industrial partners regularly offering job offers and bachelor’s thesis projects. Conference cycles and events were also organized to promote programs and raise awareness among young people about the acquired skills and professional opportunities in fields such as civil engineering, chemistry, and architecture.
The 2022 annual report of HEIA-FR also highlights successes in applied research and development (Ra&D) for the 2021-2022 academic year. The institution acquired several major projects financed by different funding instruments, confirming the vitality of its Ra&D sector and its capacity to convince. The acquired projects cover various areas and are directly related to current technological, economic, and social issues. The institution also launched a self-evaluation campaign of its institutes to adapt to the rapid changes in the world.
The close connectivity between the higher education institution and the professional world enables the response to specific labor market needs and ensures the adequacy between the training provided and the skills sought by employers. The Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture also actively participates in applied research and technology transfer, thus promoting the creation of new businesses and diversification of the region’s economy.
To meet labor market needs, HEIA-FR is working on the implementation of new training programs, such as preparation for the federal professional exam (EPS) for worksite supervisors, as well as the creation of an HES Bachelor’s degree in Construction Work Engineering (ITC). These new programs will offer students a broader and more diversified education, allowing them to orient themselves towards businesses in the construction industry, general contractors, or construction agents such as engineering and architecture offices. The objective is to increase the number of admissions and offer promising employment opportunities to graduates.
HEIA-FR also participated in projects such as the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), aimed at supporting the tourism industry. This diversification of projects allows HEIA-FR to address various areas and respond to technological, economic, and social challenges of our time.
In 2023, HEIA-FR continues to work on future-oriented projects and to strengthen its links with the professional world to offer its students quality education and promising job opportunities.
