La Forbine, high school and apprenticeship training center for laboratory professions, opens a campus in the Lyon metropolitan area!
La Forbine, a private high school under contract with the French State and an apprenticeship training center (CFA), offers a variety of programs for laboratory professions. Originally founded in Marseille, the institution is opening a branch in Lyon, where the first cohort is expected to start in September 2023.
This is a brand-new secondary and higher education establishment being set up in the Lyon metropolitan area. After expanding in Marseille, La Forbine will welcome students from Greater Lyon starting September 2023. Its establishment in Saint-Priest, supported by ONLYLYON Invest, addresses a local need for training in laboratory technician professions.
A health-focused training connected to the professional world for successful career integration
Initially based in Marseille and backed by 55 years of expertise in training laboratory technicians, the school employs around fifty staff members and trains nearly 400 students annually, from high school level to BTS (equivalent to a 2-year post-secondary diploma), including about 100 apprentices. On its new Lyon site, La Forbine plans to offer three programs starting in September 2023: a scientific refresher course to prepare for post-secondary studies, and two work-study BTS programs (“Medical Biology Analysis” and “Bio-Analysis and Controls”).
Located in the Saint-Priest technology park within the Porte des Alpes area, the school has taken over part of the former offices of the start-up Biom’up. By establishing itself in the Lyon metropolitan area, La Forbine also benefits from a highly dynamic local job market in the health sector.
Major players in the medical biology sector in the Lyon region, such as Biogroup, Biomnis, Eurofins CBM69, Kantysbio, and Novelab, are already interested in partnering with the apprenticeship training center (CFA).
La Forbine in Lyon: a tailored response to local needs
The laboratory technician profession has grown significantly in importance in recent years. Laboratory technicians play a crucial role in disease detection, prevention, and the management of health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2022, Lyon laboratories faced recruitment challenges and suggested that La Forbine expand its activities to the region. A few months later, the apprenticeship training program was established, following the same proven model as in Marseille.
This new campus will, in the future, provide a tailored response to the skills needs of companies and laboratories specialized in the health sector in the Lyon region.
Supported by ONLYLYON Invest and the Métropole de Lyon
The Métropole de Lyon is committed to promoting “Well-being and good health” across its territory. It pays close attention to projects that strengthen training opportunities in medical biology and biotechnology. The La Forbine apprenticeship training center received personalized support from ONLYLYON Invest, the agency for economic development in the Lyon region.
“ONLYLYON Invest offered us supportive, professional, responsive, and efficient guidance, combining face-to-face meetings, video conferences, and regular emails.”
– Sébastien Varvier, Head of La Forbine High School and CFA
This support included several aspects, such as real estate search, which allowed La Forbine to secure a 260 m² space in the Saint-Priest technology park, close to laboratories, public transport, and highways. ONLYLYON Invest also connected the CFA with potential partner companies and institutions such as Pôle emploi, local employment missions, the Saint-Priest City Hall, and the Lyon Rectorate. Finally, it assisted with recruiting the future staff for the Lyon campus.