Electricity networks: training of the next generation threatened with "saturation"

"The training system is already under pressure and this situation risks worsening in the coming years," warns this report commissioned by companies in the sector, particularly RTE and Enedis, from the audit firm PwC, which also mentions "the upcoming saturation of certain training courses."

Connections to offshore wind power, deployment of charging stations: in order to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets set by Brussels, France will have to invest "in the order of 200 billion euros by 2040," the report points out.

These investments are coupled with a surge in staffing needs in the sector's "core professions," which will have to increase from 49.000 to 79.000 people by 2030, and will require some 43.000 recruitments, "taking into account natural departure flows," Alexandre Siné, director of the network schools project for the transition, explained to AFP.

The problem is that the initial training offer, "although significant, is often too general and unevenly distributed across the country," according to the report.

In addition, certain training courses, particularly those common to different professions (BTS in electrical engineering, BTS in public works) "could face capacity problems in meeting new needs".

Among the professions in demand are maintenance and operations technicians, site managers, and also network installers.

Needs across the entire territory, but certain regions, such as Île-de-France, Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie "are more affected," according to Mr. Siné, in particular due to the connection of wind turbines or photovoltaic parks.

Mr. Siné recalls the launch, two years ago, of "network schools for energy transition," which include retraining and reintegration components, but above all a partnership with some 150 vocational high schools, to attract candidates right from the 3th grade.

While he notes "real results", he stresses that it is necessary to "multiply this approach to successfully scale up".

Among the report's other recommendations is the creation of certifications to reach people in retraining and job seekers.

Another recommendation is to strengthen the attractiveness of the sector, particularly to "encourage the feminization of professions": "the proportion of women in the workforce of energy transition companies is very low", at a proportion of 14%.