The candidates, who have been selected by their teachers on the basis of the quality of their work prior to the competition, are evaluated through various tests relevant to official school curricula. These tests are however longer and more demanding than the usual school leaving certificate tests.
In 2016, the young candidate could compete in 48 fields (30 for the upper secondary high school open competition and 18 for the technological and vocational education open competition). 17,372 nominees tool part to the tests this year, in France and abroad.
The contest aims at honouring outstanding students and underlining the excellency of their work, as it can set a shining example for all students. It is open to students during the two last years of upper secondary education coming from public or state-agreed private schools, to graduating students coming from professional and vocational public or state-agreed private schools, as well as to graduating apprentices attending apprentice training centers.
Want to learn more about this contest? We kindly invite you to visit the website of the French Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research:
Each year, several schools preparing students to casting careers suggest candidates, who were selected by their teachers beforehand. After running first tests, only the most outstanding students can perform in the final competition, which is organized by a different school from one year to the next.
The 2016 Awards Ceremony was held in the Sorbonne’s grand amphitheatre, in Paris, in attendance of the French Minister for Education, Higher Education and Research, Mrs. Najat Vallaud Belkacem, who congratulated the laureates and awarded them their prizes. In return, she was presented with the part executed by the students during the final competition.
The Fédération Forge Fonderie, which fully supports the competition, pays tribute to these brilliant young professionals each year in September with an awarding ceremony organized during the graduation ceremony at the Ecole Supérieure de Fonderie et de Forge (ESFF).
Watch a video reportage about the 2012 edition: "Concours Général 2012: un lycéen ardennais 1er au Concours Général"
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January 5 2026
EFF Annual Report – Europe’s Key Players
Available for download here The 2024 annual report of the European Foundry Federation (EFF) provides a comprehensive overview of the European foundry industry in a particularly challenging economic context. The year 2024 was marked by a widespread slowdown in industrial activity across Europe, affecting both ferrous and non-ferrous foundries. Total foundry production declined significantly due to a drop in demand from key customer sectors – automotive, construction, mechanical engineering, and industrial equipment – combined with high energy costs, increased regulatory pressure, and stronger international competition. Ferrous foundries were the most affected, while the non-ferrous segment showed greater resilience, although it too experienced a decline. The report also highlights the social and structural consequences of this situation: workforce reductions, site closures, and ongoing investment pressures. Despite these challenges, the foundry industry remains a strategic link in European industrial value chains, essential for the energy transition, infrastructure, mobility, and industrial sovereignty. Through this directory and statistical analysis, the EFF reaffirms its role as a reference for sector knowledge and its commitment to a competitive, resilient, and sustainable European foundry industry. ForgeFonderie France fully aligns with this dynamic as an active member of the European federation. Reports of the Countries |
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© 2016 Fédération Forge Fonderie - Credits & legal notice
