From Monday 18th to 24th November, 7,400 events organized throughout the national territory will have the aim of changing the image that young people have of industrial professions.
The observation is not new: the sector no longer attracts young people. In 2022, according to INSEE, 67% of industrial companies said they had recruitment problems. The sector is therefore expected to hire 1.3 million workers over the next ten years and train 200,000 people a year… compared to just 60,000 currently. It is precisely to address this problem that the thirteenth edition of Industry Week will be held from Monday, under the leadership of Marc Ferracci, minister delegate for Industry, and organized by the Directorate General for Enterprise. A declared objective: to change the image that new generations have of industrial professions.
To do this, no fewer than 7,400 events will be organized across France from 18 to 24 November, compared to 5,500 the previous year. Organizers hope to replicate the success of the 2023 edition, which brought together more than 2 million participants. On the program: company presentations, visits to factories and factories, but also more original events such as «escape games» on the topic of the sector or sessions «business meetings» (serial job interviews based on the model of «Speed dating»).
Among the most significant events, high school and university students will be able to visit the Arabelle Solutions site in Belfort, where the most powerful turbines and alternators on the nuclear market are produced. The Duralex factory, located in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin in Loiret, will also open its doors to visitors to discover the production lines of the famous glass «made in France». The Louvre Lens will welcome students to introduce them to careers in the mining sector through workshops, games, exhibitions and school and company presentations. Marc Ferracci will open the doors of Bercy on Friday on the occasion of “Bercy does its own industry”a series of conferences that allow volunteers from associations of engineers, scientists and business managers to share their professional experiences.
Create vocations and promote diversity
Industrial professions still suffer from an archaic image, straight out of a Zola novel. Students often imagine physical, exhausting, repetitive work… far from their aspirations. But in reality, robotization and the advent of digital technology significantly reduce the complexity of many industrial professions and give them a much more developed technical aspect. Not to mention that the sector hires 90% with permanent contracts, and allows salaries 20% higher than tertiary professions with the same qualifications.
Industry Week therefore aims to allow young people to discover the reality of these professions in the field, forgetting their preconceived ideas. In this sector with strong hiring pressure, attracting young people is indeed a vital issue: according to DARES, the number of vacancies in the sector has doubled in three years, going from 20,000 in 2020 to 60,000 in 2023. Not to mention the fact that, according to the Metallurgy Observatory, professional training covers only 50% of the hiring needs until 2030 for the professions of boilermaker, welder and maintenance worker.
Another Industry Week challenge: promoting diversity. In fact, according to INSEE, in 2022 women represented only 28.5% of industrial employees. Furthermore, they are mainly confined to support functions (human resources, communication, marketing) while they are rare in technician, mechanic or operator positions. Numerous Industry Week events will be aimed specifically at girls: the Elles Bougent association will organize visits aimed at introducing employees of Siemens, Alstom and Renault. The Artelia engineering group will also specifically welcome female students to invite them to dare technical-scientific careers.
How does the perception of industrial careers differ between high school students and university graduates?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Industry Expert
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Paul Martin, an expert in industrial workforce development, to discuss the upcoming Industry Week in France and the ongoing challenges of attracting young talent to industrial professions. Welcome, Dr. Martin!
Dr. Martin: Good morning! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive into the heart of the matter. We know that from November 18th to 24th, over 7,400 events are planned across the country to change perceptions of industrial jobs. Why do you think such initiatives are necessary, especially now?
Dr. Martin: That’s a great question. The industrial sector has long struggled with an outdated image. Many young people, when they think of industrial jobs, envision drudgery and repetitiveness—almost like a scene from a Zola novel. In reality, the industry has evolved dramatically with advancements in robotics and digital technologies. Initiatives like Industry Week are crucial to bridging that perception gap.
Editor: Indeed, 67% of industrial companies reported having recruitment issues in 2022, and the need for 1.3 million new workers in the next decade is staggering. How can events like tours, workshops, and even escape games help shift this perception?
Dr. Martin: These hands-on experiences allow students and job seekers to engage directly with the industry. Tours of factories like Arabelle Solutions and Duralex provide tangible insights into high-tech production processes. Activities like escape games not only make learning fun but also show that these careers involve problem-solving and creativity. They’re vital for illustrating the modern, innovative nature of industrial work.
Editor: That sounds intriguing! Can you elaborate on the type of participants that Industry Week targets, and why it’s essential to involve students from high schools and universities?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely. Targeting high school and university students is key because they are at a critical decision-making juncture regarding their future careers. Exposing them to real-world applications of industrial roles can ignite interest and inspire future vocations. Additionally, showcasing diversity in the industry—both in roles and in the people who occupy them—is crucial. We want young individuals from varied backgrounds to see themselves in these positions.
Editor: Speaking of diversity, why do you think it’s essential to promote diversity in industrial professions during events like this?
Dr. Martin: Diversity in the workforce enriches the industry with a variety of perspectives and ideas, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving. Moreover, it’s vital for young people to see role models from different backgrounds in these fields. By promoting diversity, we can break outdated stereotypes and broaden the appeal of industrial jobs to underrepresented groups.
Editor: Those are powerful points, Dr. Martin. As we move toward the future, what improvements do you foresee in the industrial sector to further attract young talent?
Dr. Martin: I believe we’ll continue to see an integration of technology and an emphasis on sustainability within the industry. As younger generations prioritize environmental issues, demonstrating how industries are adapting to be more eco-friendly could significantly enhance recruitment efforts. Additionally, educational partnerships are essential—companies working with schools to provide apprenticeships or internships can help build a path from education to employment.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights, Dr. Martin. It’s clear that the upcoming Industry Week has the potential not just to attract talent but to reshape the future of industrial work in a meaningful way.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the impact of these events and how they can foster a new generation of industrial professionals.
Editor: We appreciate your time today. To our viewers, remember to check out the numerous events happening during Industry Week and get involved. Together, let’s help reshape the perception of industrial careers!