Just as the French Campus des métiers et des qualifications network fosters collaboration to address complex challenges and strengthen national industrial sovereignty, LCAMP is cultivating a European mindset of cooperation to develop shared solutions for the future of Advanced Manufacturing skills.
In this interview, Matthieu Merciecca, Head of the Education–Economy Partnerships and Campus Unit at the French Ministry of Education, shares his perspective as a French expert involved in the LCAMP Skills and Jobs Observatory. He explains the Observatory’s role, the key skills trends shaping Advanced Manufacturing, and the importance of aligning education and training systems with the evolving needs of industry across Europe.
Can you introduce yourself and explain your role in the LCAMP Observatory?
My name is Matthieu Merciecca, and I am Head of the Education–Economy Partnerships and Campus Unit at the French Ministry of Education. In this role, I coordinate the national network of 120 hubs for vocational excellence (Campus des métiers et des qualifications in French) and work closely with the Campus of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing in Occitanie (Campus d’excellence Industrie du Futur Occitanie).
I am also one of the French experts involved in the LCAMP Skills and Jobs Observatory, representing the Ministry of Education alongside Landry Bourguignon, Regional Academic Inspector.
Within LCAMP, my role is to validate the structure of the French reports and approve their final versions. I also support key projects developed by Mecanic Vallée and the Campus d’Excellence Industrie du Futur Occitanie.
Being part of the Observatory allows me to contribute directly to the core missions of the Campus: aligning training provision with companies’ needs, developing future skills and jobs, strengthening links with research, engaging in European cooperation, and working closely with colleagues from the Ministry on updating national diploma curricula.
What is the main goal of the LCAMP Observatory?
The main goal of the LCAMP Skills and Jobs Observatory is to identify key skills and emerging jobs in the field of Advanced Manufacturing.
It aims to better align education and training provision with the real needs of companies and to provide a reliable, shared knowledge base for educational and industrial decision-makers at both national and European levels.
Why is it important to study skills and jobs in Advanced Manufacturing?
Advanced Manufacturing is undergoing profound transformations driven by Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These developments are reshaping jobs and skill requirements at a very rapid pace.
Studying skills and jobs enables us to anticipate future skill shortages, adapt training pathways, and better prepare learners and professionals for the challenges of tomorrow’s industry.
What trends or new skill needs do you see today?
We observe a strong increase in demand for digital skills, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and predictive maintenance.
At the same time, companies are seeking greater technical versatility, combined with transversal skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Innovation capacity and lifelong learning have become essential as technologies evolve quickly. Finally, environmental awareness and sustainability are playing an increasingly important role across the sector.
How do you collect and use data to understand these changes?
Before drafting its reports, the LCAMP Observatory carries out several actions, including surveys of companies and training centres, analysis of job offers and occupational profiles, and close collaboration with industrial and academic partners.
All of this data is analysed to identify gaps between existing skills and labour market needs, enabling us to produce concrete and evidence-based recommendations.
How can the Observatory help schools, training centres, and companies?
The Observatory provides reliable and up-to-date information that helps schools and training centres adapt their programmes.
It also supports both initial and continuing training by identifying current and future skill needs, which is essential for companies facing rapid technological change.
What kind of collaboration do you have with other LCAMP partners?
We actively participate in the European network of Centres of Vocational Excellence and engage in exchanges with LCAMP partners across Europe.
This cooperation strengthens both national and European Campus networks and fosters shared approaches to innovation in skills development.
What are your hopes for the future of the Observatory and its impact on skills and jobs?
I hope the LCAMP Observatory will become a European reference point for skills in Advanced Manufacturing.
Its work can accelerate the adaptation of training programmes to labour market needs while promoting employability and mobility for learners and professionals across Europe. This is essential for safeguarding our industrial sovereignty: beyond investment and infrastructure, we need a highly skilled workforce that is well trained, interconnected, and able to respond collectively to complex challenges.
I also hope the Observatory will continue to highlight the Campus des métiers Industrie du Futur Occitanie and Mecanic Vallée as key players in educational innovation and industrial training.