PoCES: center of expertise for underground environments

Since 2017, we have been supporting underground infrastructure professionals with tailored, practical training courses that are recognized by the industry.

2017

Year of creation

38+

Clients

235+

Trained interns

50+

Expert trainers

Our Mission

Who are we?

The Underground Environment Competence Center (PoCES – Pôle de Compétences en Environnement Souterrain) offers specialized training tailored to large-scale underground projects for companies operating in subterranean environments.

Our areas of expertise:

PoCES also serves as a hub for exchange, monitoring, and the development of knowledge and practical expertise related to underground environments.

2017

Since

What drives us

Our values

Excellency

High-quality training courses, recognized by the industry and accredited by AFTES. We strive for excellence in every program.

Proximity

An accessible and practical pedagogical approach. We tailor our training programs to your actual needs in the field.

Innovation

Innovative pedagogy featuring immersive scenarios for learning how to anticipate and manage risks, all while remaining in a safe environment.

The Faces of PoCES

Our team

Stéphane BERTHEAUX VIRGILI

PoCES General Delegate and Training Operations Director

Olivier DECK

Designated faculty member / Academic supervisor

Rasool Mehdizadeh

Lecturer-researcher in risk management

Adel Abdallah

Lecturer-researcher in geotechnics

A SOLID NETWORK

Our ecosystem

Funded by GIP Objectif Meuse, the PoCES project is led by the University of Lorraine through the National School of Engineering Mines Nancy and the National School of Geology (ENSG)—two prestigious engineering schools.

Thanks to our partnership with the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (Andra), we have access to a unique, full-scale facility for conducting real-life simulations.

Since 2022, PoCES has partnered with AFTES to organize events for the sector. We are also a member of the Energic 55/52 cluster and support the association Les SouterReines.