The aeronautics industry is still anticipating numerous recruitments this year

After a major downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, the aeronautics industry has rebounded much faster than expected. Last year, companies in the sector hired a massive number of employees: 29,000 in total. This is more than they had anticipated. What are the forecasts for this year?

Momentum will remain strong, according to the French Aeronautics and Space Industries Association (GIFAS), which represents half of the companies in the sector. This employers' union is forecasting 25,000 hires by the end of the year, while remaining cautious due to the trade war unleashed by the American president.

Between the 10% tariffs already in effect on products exported to the United States, and those that could still arise, companies are in the dark. Especially since they don't yet know who will absorb this additional cost. Some may postpone their hiring until things get clearer, explains Frédéric Parisot, the general delegate of Gifas. The fact remains that the order books of the sector's giants are bursting at the seams. Over the next 10 years, Airbus will have to deliver nearly 8,700 aircraft, and Dassault 220 Rafale fighter jets.

Among the 25,000 recruitments planned for this year, which positions are most sought after? In addition to engineers, aerospace companies are rolling out the red carpet for workshop operators and technicians. Because to produce more and increase production rates, assembly lines need people.

"We're looking for fitters, equipment assemblers, CNC operators, painters, cable installers, boilermakers, welders, mechanics, and quality controllers," says Frédéric Parisot. "The challenge is that many people think it's complicated to get into aeronautics."

Two-thirds of unemployed people perceive companies in the sector as elitist or inaccessible, and three-quarters of them believe they do not have the necessary skills, according to a study by the Pégase chair, which will be published at the end of May.

According to Gifas, the vacancies are open to all profiles, from vocational certificates to eight-year degrees, and to those seeking a career change. This is especially true since once hired, employees are retrained, due to the stringent safety requirements in this sector.

Companies are also making efforts to attract more women. They now represent 27% of the workforce, compared to 20% 10 years ago.