Engineers call on Michel Barnier to include ecological and energy transition, reindustrialization and talent training in his priorities

To do this, Syntec-Ingénierie recalls that France needs talent and insists on the need to increase the number of trained technicians and engineers, in a context where 20.000 professionals are lacking each year.

As our greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 58% worldwide and we are experiencing a mass extinction on Earth, Syntec-Ingénierie calls on Michel Barnier and his future government to make the ecological and energy transition the spearhead of public policies, starting for example with railways, offshore wind and nuclear power. These sectors require a long-term commitment financed by the public authorities. Engineering companies, which operate in the industrial and construction sectors, are committed to designing projects and products that are resource-efficient, energy-efficient and that avoid, reduce or offset impacts on biodiversity.

Syntec-Ingénierie also invites the government to continue and expand policies in favor of the reindustrialization of our territories, by promoting the reception of innovative and digitalized industries, in a decarbonized universe. Knowing how to attract, bring to life and promote “designed in France” in the same way as the development of new sectors is a major challenge, closely linked to the sovereignty of our country and the vitality of our territories.

On these two axes, industrial engineering and construction companies are at the government's disposal to provide their expertise in the matter and inform political choices.

Finally, Syntec-Ingénierie points out that there is a shortage of 20.000 trained professionals each year to meet the needs of businesses and our economy. While 80.000 new jobs are expected to be created by 2030, in connection with major transitions, 20% of positions are likely to remain vacant due to a lack of available talent. Syntec-Ingénierie, which has a network of more than 100 partner engineering schools, is working to attract and train more talent in scientific and technical fields. In February 2024, the professional engineering federation launched a major national communication campaign aimed at young people, which has reached more than 2 million middle and high school students. She calls on Michel Barnier to make the attractiveness of scientific and technical fields a national priority, otherwise we will miss the turning point of major transitions.

sources:

• OPIIEC study - “Engineering professions and skills in the face of climate challenges”, April 2022
• Observatory of digital, engineering, consulting and event professions
• Kyu Lab study for Syntec-Ingénierie – “French engineering at the service of the economy and territories”, 2017