Lille and the broader Hauts-de-France region have positioned themselves as a key hub in the French and European railway industry. The region is home to major manufacturers, a strong ecosystem of suppliers, and leading education institutions focused on rail technology. We can confidently say the region is the driving force in the future of rail transport. So why do we say Hauts-de-France is a leader in railway manufacturing? For one, it accounts for 40% of France’s total rail output. With 16,000 industry jobs and over 150 specialized suppliers and subcontractors, the region plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining France’s extensive rail network. Global giants such as Alstom and Siemens have established significant operations in the region, reinforcing Lille’s status as a key player in the railway industry. Despite challenges in global rolling-stock markets, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the demand in Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region remains strong. France, as the world’s third-largest rail market, benefits from consistent investment in regional and intercity trains, and Hauts-de-France is at the forefront of production and innovation. One of Lille’s most valuable assets is its investment in education and workforce development within the railway sector. The region hosts some of France’s most respected institutions, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to support the industry’s growth. Let’s look at a few of the region’s educational institutions. First, there’s ENSIAME (National School of Energy Mechanics Engineering, Valenciennes), which produces 180 engineering graduates annually that specialize in rail and transport. ICAM (Catholic Institute of Trades and Advanced Engineering Studies) trains 200 engineering graduates per year. HEI (School of Advanced Engineering Studies) contributes 300 engineering graduates annually to the field. Finally, there’s the Opal Coast International Rail Training Center, which the first private training center dedicated to rail education.