Ventilation professions, orphans of training

While indoor air quality is emerging as a health and regulatory issue, ventilation continues to be a lever for energy performance and comfort in buildings. However, the sector suffers from a lack of training. It is urgent to support the transition of the sector and ventilation professionals with appropriate training and certification.

A promising sector, neglected by training

Ventilation is experiencing a real boom: indoor air quality, health issues, energy renovation... so many challenges that open up new perspectives. The market is growing, but the training offer is not sufficient. Today, it is mainly electricians and heating engineers who take charge of ventilation, often without specific training, learning "on the job" or from manufacturers. There are already training courses that address the subject of ventilation, like the RGE accreditation, but they are neither comprehensive nor practical enough and, above all, they do not train on the specificities of this sector.

However, the housing stock to be renovated is immense. France will have to renovate 400.000 individual houses and 200.000 collective housing units each year on average by 2030 to achieve its climate objectives[1]. Often reduced to theory, ventilation plays a major role in this renovation. It deserves a practical and specialized approach. Without this, the risks are significant: poorly designed installations, complex maintenance, inefficient systems and health problems. Ventilation must be recognized as an expertise in its own right, and not an ancillary skill. [2]

Training, a lever for quality and attractiveness

Investing in training has a direct benefit for professionals. A well-trained installer increases efficiency, reduces installation errors, and improves maintenance security. This training meets specific needs. For example, some installers realize during construction sites that replacing a mechanical ventilation motor requires specific knowledge. For the customer, this guarantees a reliable and efficient system, a key factor in building trust and loyalty.

Specializing in ventilation opens up new markets: ventilation packages in calls for tender are an opportunity for companies ready to differentiate themselves. Training is a medium- to long-term strategy. Finally, in a profession perceived as arduous, it offers installers more technical tasks, geared toward the energy transition.

Towards a diploma and recognition of the profession

A virtuous circle can only be established if academic and professional recognition is achieved. The creation of a specific ventilation technician diploma appears to be an essential step in structuring the sector, harmonizing levels of expertise, and ensuring a high level of practice.

Training also means passing on knowledge: with many professionals approaching retirement, it's becoming urgent to prepare the next generation and anchor skills in the sector. Ventilation opens the way to new professions (air quality manager) that require skills development.

Ventilation can no longer be considered an "ancillary specialty" entrusted to other trades. It must establish itself as an independent profession, structured by training, supported by a diploma, and governed by appropriate regulations.

Like RE2020, which set a course for new construction, it is time to introduce a "RE2020 for renovation", in order to support the rise of a sector that is essential for the health, energy performance and comfort of collective buildings.

[1] The new National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) presented by the government on November 4, 2025

[2] According to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety