PoCES: a centre of expertise and a training organisation dedicated to underground environments

PoCES (Centre of Expertise in Underground Environments) is both a centre of expertise and a training organisation dedicated to the underground sector. It designs training programmes closely aligned with the needs of businesses and offers a range of courses tailored to the requirements of the underground works sector. It draws on the expertise of leading specialists from research, higher education and industry to support the professional development of practitioners and meet the challenges of tomorrow’s major underground projects.

Its programme covers the main disciplines of underground works: tunnel construction techniques, geology, geomechanics, geotechnics, hydrogeology, ventilation during construction, instrumentation and monitoring, surveying, compressed-air works, as well as digital tools applied to the sector, notably artificial intelligence, virtual reality and data processing.

PoCES also organises expert events that foster exchanges between specialists, contributes to the dissemination of technical knowledge and supports the development of skills in response to the sector’s emerging challenges.

Its ecosystem draws on higher education institutions, research organisations, industry, local authorities and institutional partners across the region. Access to ANDRA’s underground facilities is a major asset: trainees work in an environment that closely resembles real-world structures, supported by professionals who share their practical experience.

Based in the Meuse department, at the heart of an ecosystem renowned for its expertise in subsurface science and technology, PoCES helps to promote local expertise and foster the development of a French sector of excellence. Acting as a vital link between training, research and innovation, it equips students with the skills essential for the underground infrastructure of today and tomorrow.