Less than one in two French people say they have “confidence” in the future of the industry

Less than one in two French people say they have “confidence” in the future of the industry, a sector that struggles to attract young people even though it pollutes less and pays better than they imagine, according to a survey published on Wednesday by Usine Nouvelle. The survey was carried out by Infopro Digital with the support of the CCI and the Fabrique de la Cité from April 2 to May 20, 2024, on a sample of 1,000 people.

59% of respondents “have a good opinion” of French industry, particularly the aeronautical, automotive, military and cosmetic sectors, but only 48% of respondents have “confidence” in the future of this industry, despite the priority given by Emmanuel Macron to the reindustrialization of the country.

A noticeable recovery in industrial employment

New factory openings seem to have stagnated since last summer, according to the latest barometer from the Trendeo firm published in September, but the balance of factory openings remains positive.

The recovery of industrial employment in France, noticeable for several years, seems to begin to sink in, according to the study, since barely more than a third of those surveyed (37%) still believe “that there are more industrial jobs lost.” than those created.

However, it still appears that great efforts are being made to consolidate this trend, especially as the sector has tens of thousands of jobs to fill.

A truncated vision of the industry among the youngest

According to the study, the image of the sector as a whole continues to be unflattering among younger people.

27% of young people between 18 and 24 years old believe that industry accounts for more than half of greenhouse gas emissions in France (compared to 18% of retirees) and almost 80% think that CO2 greenhouse gases from French industry have increased since 1990, twice as much as those of older populations.

Clichés refuted by the High Council for Climate, which puts the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions coming from industry in France at 17%, and by public statistics, which record an almost constant drop in industry emissions since 1990, both in the manufacturing and energy industries.

Same difference between the perception of the younger generations and the reality regarding salaries: 42% of young people between 18 and 24 years old think that salaries are “worse” in the industry than in other sectors, while “the net salaries are on average the highest in the industry.” according to an INSEE report published in 2023.