Brest University offers the software engineering by immersion paradigm as an alternative to other education systems. The idea is that students follow through a project from A to Z, relying on an ISO9001 quality management system alongside methods and tools associated with present n-tier architecture - but under apprenticeship conditions. Software engineering activities are structured around three main processes: Development Engineering, Project Management, and Development Support. Focussing on Development Engineering, we report on certain challenges and difficulties, illustrated on a real-scale project.