The French Nuclear Sector: 10,000 Jobs Open, an Industry in Search of Talent

The revival of nuclear energy in France generates a constant demand for 10,000 recruits, reflecting the sector's growing attractiveness. A closer look at the challenges of a transforming industry and its inclusive strategies.

Share:

The French nuclear industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by an ambitious revival strategy. Employing 220,000 people currently, the sector maintains a constant need for 10,000 recruits, according to France Travail, the national public employment agency. This demand stems from generational turnover and the expansion of nuclear projects nationwide.

Hélène Badia, president of the University of Nuclear Professions, highlights a renewed interest in the industry, particularly among young people and professionals seeking career changes. This trend is bolstered by initiatives like the Nuclear Careers Week, co-organized by France Travail and industry players. This year’s event, scheduled for February 3–7, has seen its audience double in just two years, from 8,000 to 16,000 visitors.

Growing Attractiveness Fueled by Major Projects

France’s nuclear energy outlook is anchored in an ambitious industrial strategy. Extending the lifespan of existing plants, developing new EPR2 reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), and expanding the facilities of Framatome and Orano are key projects requiring specialized skills. The industry forecasts approximately 100,000 hires by 2033.

To meet this demand, the National Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Techniques (INSTN) has doubled its enrollment in five years for its specialized nuclear engineering program. EDF reports that 80 students joined the program in 2024, marking a significant increase.

High-Demand Professions

Some professions essential to the nuclear sector face acute shortages. Roles such as welders, boilermakers, pipefitters, radiation protection technicians, and automation specialists highlight the urgent need for qualified labor. To address these shortages, France Travail has implemented innovative measures, such as recruitment by simulation. This approach assesses candidates’ ability to perform specific professional tasks, creating opportunities for career changers.

Notable successes include a young pastry chef who transitioned into a welding career in northern France thanks to targeted training funded through this program.

Focusing on Inclusion

The nuclear industry is also widening its talent pool by targeting underrepresented groups. This year’s Nuclear Careers Week emphasizes inclusion, aiming to integrate more women, seniors, and individuals from priority urban areas. These efforts reflect the sector’s commitment to adapting recruitment strategies to societal and demographic challenges.

While the energy transition relies on diversifying energy sources, nuclear power remains a cornerstone of France’s strategy. However, its sustainability will depend on the industry’s ability to attract, train, and retain the talent needed to tackle future technological and industrial challenges.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.
Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.