One in ten French people would consider retraining in the construction and craft trades

For several years, France has suffered a decline in the sector, but a report published today by Travaux.com reveals that 13% of French people are considering a career change in construction and crafts, driven by fears related to AI and job dissatisfaction.

Travaux.com, a platform connecting individuals and construction professionals, has long championed these professions as a career choice. Following an initial study conducted last year, the company has renewed its survey to measure changing perceptions.

The results are encouraging:

• 13% of respondents are considering retraining as a plumber, electrician or other manual trade.
• Among younger people, this figure rises to 17%.
• Although women remain slightly less inclined than men, 10% of them say they have thought about it.

The skills shortage is widely recognized: 71% of French people are aware of it, but only 58% of 18-34 year-olds are. Furthermore, 21% of those surveyed said they were dissatisfied with their current job, a figure that rises to 24% among those over 55 – also those most concerned about AI.

In the face of automation, manual jobs appear to be a safe bet. 35% of French people fear the impact of AI on their current career, with regional disparities:

• Hauts-de-France: 44%
• Île-de-France: 29%
• Grand Est: 41%
• New Aquitaine: 18%
• Occitanie: 42%
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: 36%

Concerns are even greater for the future: more than a third of respondents (35%) fear the impact of AI on their career prospects, and this figure rises to 37% among 18-34 year-olds.

For Serge Masson, from Travaux.com: “A career in the construction and crafts trades is an excellent choice for young people and those looking to change careers. Flexible hours, on-the-job training, and the possibility of independence are major advantages. Our new data shows growing interest, but it is essential that the government and training institutions continue to promote these professions to young people to maintain this momentum.”

To view the full Travaux.com Skills Shortage Report: https://www.travaux.com/blog/penurie-main-oeuvre-metiers-du-batiment

Study conducted by Opinium for Travaux. Opinium is an award-winning strategic analysis firm and has one of the largest and most renowned survey panels in Europe.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.