The wood industry in France employs 400,000 people across various professions that touch all areas of life, from cradle to grave, including furniture, construction, energy, and biomaterials. Training in wood-related careers allows both men and women to work in a sustainable, innovative, and versatile field.
At ENSTIB, the only public National Higher School of Wood Technologies and Industries, we train 400 students each year in engineering, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs who have chosen the wood sector. Since 1985, more than 4,000 have graduated, equipped to work in a promising field with sustainable prospects. Together with them, we have listed the main reasons for this choice, which they have never regretted, by asking what were the good reasons to study in the wood industry.
1. GIVE MEANING TO MY STUDIES
Nowadays, everyone wants a job they enjoy and that has meaning. By choosing to study in the wood sector, I can align my studies with my values and bridge the gap between theory and practice. I will acquire knowledge and discover an exciting and sustainable material: wood, which can be used for many purposes. I will learn that wood is not only used for construction or heating but is also an extraordinary source of innovation and creation.
2. A FIELD THAT HIRES
ENSTIB graduates take, on average, less than 9 days to find a job, 95% of which are in the wood sector. This sector is constantly hiring in all fields. A study published in April 2022 predicted 76,000 hires in wood-related professions over the next three years. At ENSTIB, I am directly in contact with industries and communities that recruit wood specialists. Finding an internship or a first job becomes very easy.
3. PROMOTE THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION
Studying in the wood sector allows me to actively participate in the ecological transition within a virtuous circular economy model. Environmental goals largely depend on the wood industry, which contributes to sustainable development, from forest management to harvesting and wood utilization, down to the smallest waste.
4. BUILDING THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
Wood provides innovative technical solutions for new construction, renovation, or building elevation, addressing energy-saving and structural performance challenges. At ENSTIB, I can work on a research and development project directly linked to industries and laboratories. I can also choose the ABC Master’s program and participate in the Défis du Bois, an exceptional experience! Studying in the wood sector means building the world of tomorrow and inventing new products.
5. HAVING CHOICES
By choosing to study in the wood sector, I can choose from a wide variety of careers in construction, furniture, project management, research, and technological innovation. At ENSTIB, I can be supported in creating my own business, like In’Bô, which makes wooden glasses. I can also work in consulting, teaching, or research. I can even get a dual degree and explore forestry, management, or project management.
6. WORKING WITH AN EXEMPLARY MATERIAL
Wood is a durable and renewable material. Studying in this field allows me to work towards sustainable practices and environmental preservation. Wood is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and much less energy-intensive than other construction materials.
7. DISCOVERING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
By studying in the wood sector, I join a circular and virtuous economy that begins with forest harvesting, which captures CO2, followed by the primary and secondary processing of wood, with recycled industry waste used for panel production, energy cogeneration, or chemical valorization.
8. DIVING INTO THE HEART OF INNOVATION
The wood sector, whether agricultural and forestry environments or industries, is constantly evolving. It offers me opportunities to contribute to developing new construction, processing, or manufacturing techniques. At ENSTIB, research is working on numerous projects involving future biomaterials and composite materials.
9. DOING A JOB I LOVE
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This quote from Confucius is perfect for the wood sector. Studying in this field opens the (wooden) door to countless possibilities in all industrial and leisure sectors. I can choose a job I like and develop exciting projects. I can join a company or create my own project and invent new wood products.
10. JOINING A PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED COMMUNITY
ENSTIB is a family, say 95% of our alumni. This family, always ready to help each other, has close ties with the entire wood industry in France and abroad. With over 40 international agreements, I can go on international mobility to many countries in Europe or other continents. With numerous industrial partnerships, I can do an internship in all areas of the sector. With annual meetings, both festive and scientific and technical, I maintain and grow lasting connections.
So, convinced? To join the community, choose to study in the wood sector. And if you have chosen another field, you can acquire new knowledge through continuing education, open to anyone who wants to discover the world of wood.
And if you are an international student, you can join us for international semesters.
