Normandy, a land for the future? Yes, for several reasons. Let’s take a sneak peek at a few of the industries that are hiring and hear what employees have to say!
Normandy industries embrace decarbonisation and innovation to shape the future of manufacturing.
Manufacturing has moved into the modern age over the last few years; it isn’t the same industry that once inspired Zola and Kafka. Now it’s all about digital, robotics, smoother procedures to improve working conditions, project diversity and so much more. Many Normandy manufacturers have begun innovating to improve their staff’s wellness and productivity.
In terms of GDP, Normandy is the number 1 region in France for manufacturing and plays host to countless industries: long-standing refineries and petrochemicals plus pharmaceuticals, automotive, energy, aerospace, cosmetics, food and so much more. Given the current climate where decarbonisation has become a key weapon to slow down climate change, countless groups are also committed to lowering their CO2 emissions.
Major investments, new trades and updated processes: there’s been a welcome change in manufacturing, especially in Normandy, which also means new job openings: welders, sheet metalworkers, plumbers, electricians, engineers and more.
“These trades are looking for skilled men and women for the future! We have all the training facilities we need to nurture talent at every level, whether it be NVQs, vocational diplomas or engineering schools,” says Alain Verna, director of a Toshiba plant in Dieppe and President of the UIMM (Normandy Metalworks Industries and Trades).
I came to Normandy from a far-flung part of eastern France over 30 years ago. I didn't think I'd stay but we have the seaside, countryside, culture… this place has it all. It's the good life in Normandy. It's a great place to live and there are exciting careers – What more can you ask for?
Energy mix: Normandy’s trump card
As France’s leading region in wealth and employment generation through energy production, Normandy boasts 36,000 workers in the energy sector. It is a key provider of nuclear, thermal and renewable energy. It has 7 regional laboratories that are part of the “laboratoire d’excellence” (Labex) in the energy and clean fired fuel sector. The region also stands out in the refinery industry as it accounts for 1/3 of France’s production and is a leader in renewable marine energy. 3 offshore wind farms are in the pipeline with a total output of 1.5 GW (the equivalent of half France’s total planned output) and the 2nd biggest marine energy deposit in Europe off the Cotentin coast to produce tidal energy.
These impressive figures make Normandy a figurehead for energy mix, an industry that’s going to be looking for a lot of new recruits from this year onwards, especially in the nuclear sector!
Nuclear energy in itself is a future industry: “it produces very little carbon so it’s a good way to combat climate change. It’s an industry that can make a difference and create a world with the lowest possible carbon footprint. Plus it’s going to employ 10-15,000 people a year for the next decade,” says Isabelle Maillot-Vittecoq, regional spokesperson at the Université des Métiers du Nucléaire in Normandy. Our region’s nuclear industry fulfils 17% of France’s requirements and 11% of electricity production. Technicians, electricians, sheet metalworkers, inspectors, welders, engineers and other trades are regularly involved in the industry to to fuel, improve, build and produce nuclear energy. From NVQs to PhDs and Master’s degrees, these in-demand careers usually provide opportunities for progression. “These career paths are rewarding because the industry usually pays well. That means job security, with careers lasting the next 30 years,” says the region spokesperson.
Normandy is a land of energy and home to the entire nuclear value chain: from production, processing and waste management to research and nuclear medicine.
Normandy industries create digital career opportunities in cybersecurity, AI and more
Digital in Normandy? This is a booming sector, with more than 10,000 jobs advertised in 2022. “Nowadays, not a day goes by that we don’t use digital tools, so we need people to create them, upgrade them and make them even better. That means there currently aren’t enough workers filling positions in digital roles and future careers,” says Alexandra Bricout, director of 42 Le Havre college and professional development rep at Numeum Normandie, the professional organisation for the digital ecosystem.
Who’s right for the job? All kinds of profiles. Digital isn’t just for long drips of water, quite the opposite! “We have to get away from the geeky stereotype that working in digital has had for years. Employers are primarily looking for people who can work with other people who don’t do the same job as them, who can explain what they do.
What else sets digital apart? Its diversity! Development, infrastructure and another 80 diverse areas. “Some sectors are massive right now, like cybersecurity, AI and data analysis. They’re all new careers that people of all ages are excited about… and this is just the start! “
I've always lived in Normandy and I'm staying here because it's full of business sectors, the sea, hospitality careers… It's a haven for employment and lifestyle!
Local, local, local
uilding trades, healthcare and legal services are sectors overseen by OPCO EP (government-approved vocational training organisation). Let’s find out more about an organisation responsible for supporting recruitment and promoting learning. “We’re here to help people of all ages to fulfil our companies’ needs in the area,” says Vanessa Marie Couzinet, temporary regional rep.
In total, over 26,000 OPCO companies covering 53 sectors regularly hire new recruits. There’s a shortage of staff in 5 sectors in the Normandy area: agricultural machinery (supporting farmers and improving production and working conditions), social care (which also has a significant presence in Normandy), building trades, bakery and healthcare including pharmacies. “We currently always have about 2000 vacancies at OPCO EP with apprenticeships, permanent contracts and temporary contracts all on our website, which is for both young people and companies that need staff.”
Normandy? It has two major business hubs – Rouen, Caen – It's also a countryside area and coastal area with a wide variety of careers. It's a great place to live, it's 2 hours from Paris and everything you could want is nearby!
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