Here are the nuclear professions necessary for the renewal of the sector

The nuclear sector, France’s third-largest industrial sector, must constantly innovate and reinvent itself to meet current and future climate and energy challenges. To initiate this turning point, a number of professions are in high demand in this sector which is in great need of qualified talent. Here we take stock of the in-demand nuclear professions that are necessary for the renewal of the sector.

 

What future for the nuclear industry?

Faced with the climate emergency and the environmental issues highlighted in the latest IPCC report, the nuclear industry is forced to innovate and implement new technologies aligned with the challenges of today and tomorrow.

To respond to these issues, the nuclear industry is developing the construction of small modular reactors (SMR reactors); the production of carbon-free hydrogen; better management of spent fuel; the reduction of radioactive waste ; the development of new-generation reactors, etc.

These various innovations would make it possible to perceive, within 20 to 30 years, a sharp reduction in nuclear waste and a consequent reduction in the costs of producing nuclear energy.

In addition, Emmanuel Macron had announced, at the beginning of 2022, the main orientations of the new French energy policy, around several major objectives: to reduce energy consumption by 40% by 2050; massively develop carbon-free energies and consolidate the nuclear sector. The President of the Republic also announced, as part of her plan to revive civil nuclear power, the implementation of a new fleet of 6 EPR reactors, the construction of which is expected to begin in 2023.

 

The nuclear professions necessary for the renewal of the sector

The nuclear sector is therefore in the process of making an important turning point, which could contribute to the revival and renewal of the sector.

However, in order to initiate these changes and meet the objectives set, nuclear companies must recruit massifs. However, this industrial sector has suffered, for the past ten years, from a lack of attractiveness and a shortage of qualified professionals in several professions in short supply.

The sector, which already has nearly 220,000 employees and 3,000 companies, plans to recruit 30,000 new professionals by 2028 to meet the industry’s objectives and enable the construction of new nuclear reactors by 2050.

Among the nuclear professions in short supply, Engineers are particularly in demand. But the sector recruits profiles ranging from Bac pro to Bac +5.

Here are some examples of the nuclear professions necessary for the revival of the sector:

• Nuclear Engineer
• Civil engineer
• Design Engineer
• Energy Efficiency Engineer
• Smart City Engineer and Technician
• CAD Design Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer
• Safety and Operations Engineer
• Network Engineer
• Project Manager
• Boilermaker
• welder
• scaffolders
• Industrial Electrician
• Logistician
• Operator dismantling
• Instrumentalist Adjuster
• Rotating machine mechanic
• Nuclear automation engineer
• Insulator
• Environment Controller
• Electrical Technician
• Valve mechanic
• Industrial painter
• bridge operator
• radiation protectionist
• Nuclear Maintenance Technician
• Methods Technician
• pipefitter
• Thermal Engineer
• Cybersecurity experts
• …

 

How to work in the nuclear sector?

To work in the nuclear sector, it is necessary to follow a dedicated training: engineering school, professional baccalaureate, DUT, BTS, university, etc. In addition, if you want to work in a nuclear industry without a diploma, you should know that some companies offer in-house training for young people without qualifications.

Apart from academic training, it is necessary to obtain a specific authorisation to work on a nuclear site, in order to learn about nuclear safety, radiation protection, quality assurance, etc. You can do this by following nuclear training from Pôle emploi.

In addition, in order to encourage young people to move into this sector and in order to facilitate access to nuclear training and professions, a University of Nuclear Professions was created in April 2021, with a wide range of training courses for all levels.

On average, the salary of a nuclear profession in France is around €33,000 per year (between €23,400 per year for a junior to €50,489 per year for an experienced worker).

To find out more about the subject, read our article: Spie, EDF, Bouygues, Engie, Orano: 5 nuclear companies in search of talent.