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Engineering Labour Force in FranceEngineering Labour Force

What Employers Need to Know

Rates of Pay

Where to Recruit

France is the second-largest economy in the European Union (EU) and has the second-largest labour force. In 2010, France was home to more than 1.2 million engineering workers, including some 631,000 engineers, 601,000 engineering technicians and technologists and more than 4,000 geoscientists.

France has a comparatively young engineering labour force, particularly when it comes to geoscientists and engineering technologists and technicians. Among French graduate engineers, about one quarter were under age 30 in 2009; 60 per cent were under age 40. (See Figure 1.)

When considering an employer, French engineers say they place the most weight on financial compensation, their level of interest in the work, and the opportunity to take on greater responsibility.1 (See Figure 2.)

Graduate engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Approximately half (48 per cent) work in manufacturing while 45 per cent work in service industries. A small number of engineers work in France’s energy sector: 1.1 per cent of graduate engineers work in mining or extractive industries, 3.4 per cent work in the chemicals industry, 4.1 per cent work in utilities, and 0.7 per cent work in coke and petroleum refining.

Unemployment

The unemployment rate among French engineers in 2009 was 5.4 per cent.2 Current economic conditions in France are positive for engineers, so it is unlikely that many workers will seek work abroad based on economic push factors alone.

English Language

A significant portion of French engineers are proficient in English. Graduate engineers must obtain at least a B2 score in English on the Common European Framework for Languages Assessment in order to complete their education. A B2 score is similar to a Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL-iBT) score of 87–109.

For information on The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta’s (APEGA’s) English language requirements to become licensed in Alberta, see www.apega.org/Applicants/IEG/englishlanguage.html.

Among French graduate engineers working outside of France, 31 per cent work in English-speaking countries, mainly the United Kingdom (U.K.) and United States.3

Engineering Labour Force

1See Joint Survey of Engineers 2010 (France, U.K., Germany).2Latest figures available.3See source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 22nd Survey (2011).

Table 1. Share of French Graduate Engineers Working Outside of France

Age End 2007 End 2008 End 2009 End 2010

Beginners 16.4% 14.6% 14.4% 15.6%

Other under 30 15.1% 14.6% 15.9% 16.2%

30 to 39 14.7% 15.0% 15.2% 15.6%

40 to 49 11.0% 11.3% 11.5% 12.3%

50 to 64 9.0% 9.3% 8.9% 9.9%

Average 13.1% 13.1% 13.4% 13.1%

Source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 22nd Survey (2011).

French engineers are internationally mobile: 13.1 per cent of French graduate engineers2 are working in labour markets outside of France. In 2010, about 142,000 worked outside of the country.

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35%

41%

49%

53%

56%

59%

61%

66%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Job Security

Gain Knowledge

Work Environment

Work-Life Balance

Locality

Greater Responsibility

Interesting Work

Remuneration

26%

18%16%

12%9%

7% 6% 5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Under30

30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64

AgeFrench Engineer Graduates Total French Labour Force

Share of all

Workers

Figure 1. Age Comparison of French Graduate Engineers and Total French Labour Force

Sources: The French National Council of Engineers and Scientists/Le Conseil national des ingénieurs et scientifiques de France (CNISF) Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 21st Survey (2010), OECD Stats Extracts Database, 2010.

Figure 2. Positive Features of a Company as Reported by Engineers in France, 2010

Source: 2010 Joint Survey of Engineers (France, U.K., Germany).Database, 2010.

Likelihood of Immigrating

French engineers are internationally mobile: 13.1 per cent of French graduate engineers4 are working in labour markets outside of France. In 2010, about 142,000 worked outside of the country.

A significant percentage of French engineers move internationally each year. In 2010, 8.4 per cent of economically active graduate engineers in France moved to another country to work, down just slightly from 8.5 per cent in 2009. An additional

11.1 per cent of French graduate engineers reported moving to a new location within the country. Most international migration appears to be among engineers who are transferring to new posts within their companies.5

Foreign workers in France comprise a significant portion (16 per cent) of the French engineering labour force and are more likely than average to migrate internationally, having done so before.

4Graduate engineers have earned a master’s level degree from a French engineering school.5In 2010, while 8.5 per cent of all engineers relocated internationally, only 7.6 per cent of all graduate engineers reported changing employers (up from 6.8 per cent in 2009).

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Alberta employers recruiting in France should know that graduates from the country’s engineering schools are highly regarded and often pursue management roles where their responsibilities may have little to do with engineering. When recruiting in France, it is worthwhile to identify those who specifically perform engineering tasks.

Engineers and Geoscientists

According to Alberta law, to practice engineering, geology or geophysics independently in Alberta, a worker must be licensed by APEGA. Unlicensed workers may practice engineering, but only under the supervision of a licensed engineer. Similar rules apply to internationally educated engineers. They may be permitted to work in Alberta without a license, provided that they work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng). In order to practice engineering, geology or geophysics independently, internationally educated workers must have their credentials evaluated by APEGA to determine whether or not they meet the requirements for licensure.

Regardless of academic background, all foreign applicants must also:

1. Take the professional practice exam and show relevant knowledge of Albertan law and ethics

2. Obtain one year of Canadian experience; they can apply and gain conditional approval before doing so

3. Be competent in English 4. Provide character references5. Possess Canadian Citizenship or Permanent

Resident status; an applicant not possessing either may apply as a Foreign Licensee

To learn more about APEGA’s licensing requirements, see www.apega.ca.

Technicians and Technologists

Technicians and technologists do not need licenses to practice in Alberta, but may voluntarily apply for certification from the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET). ASET uses a competency-based evaluation to assess the qualifications of internationally educated individuals. Successful applicants must have an appropriate combination of post-secondary education in their field and practical experience.

Many European bachelor’s degrees are awarded after three years. Workers holding them would likely qualify for technologist or technician certification with ASET, while those with lower qualifications may qualify at the technician level. Candidates seeking ASET certification generally require:

1. At least two years of professional experience, including one year of Canadian experience

2. Successful completion of the professional practices exam

3. Three verifiable references 4. The ability to work in English 5. Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident

status

To learn more about ASET’s certification requirements, see www.aset.ab.ca.

What Employers Need to Know

In order to practice engineering, geology or geophysics independently, internationally educated workers must have their credentials evaluated by APEGA to determine whether or not they meet the requirements for licensure.

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Table 2. French Titles for Canadian Engineering Occupations and Related Professional Organizations

Canadian Engineering Occupations Similar Occupations/Titles in France Professional Organizations

Engineering Managers Ingénieur Manager, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

CTI (Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur) accredits university programs, while CNISF (Le Conseil National des Ingénieurs et des Scientifiques de France) maintains the French Directory of Engineers.

Civil Engineers Ingénieur civil, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Mechanical Engineers Ingénieur en mécanique, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Electrical and Electronics EngineersIngénieur en électricité et électronique, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Chemical Engineers Ingénieur chimiste, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Industrial and Manufacturing EngineersIngénieur industriel/ingénieur de production, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Metallurgical and Materials EngineersIngénieur en métallurgie et Ingénieur en matériaux, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Mining Engineers Ingénieur de mines, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Petroleum Engineers Ingénieur pétrolier, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Technicien supérieur en génie civil (Civil Engineering Technician)

CTI (Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur) accredits all university programs, while CNISF (Le Conseil National des Ingénieurs et des Scientifiques de France) maintains the French Directory of Engineers. Higher education curricula are set by each school, and all are accredited by CTI.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Technicien ES en génie mécanique (Mechanical Engineering Technician) or DUT Génie Mechanique et Productique (DUT Diploma in Mechanical and Production Engineering)

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Technicien supérieur en génie électricité et électronique (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician)

Technicien électronicien (Electrical Technician)

Industrial Instruments Technicians and Mechanics

Technicien Supérieur Maintenance Industrielle (Industrial Maintenance Technician)

Geosciences Occupations

Geologist, Geochemists and GeophysicistsGéologue, Géochimiste et Géophysicien, Diplôme d’ingénieur or ingénieur diplôme

CTI accredits university programs in Geosciences. The French Union of Geologists (UFG) supports the European Federation of Geologists (EFG).

Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians

Primarily BTS or DUT graduates who work in geology-related fields at the technician level. Some DUT graduates may go on to an engineering school to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Architecture-Related Occupations

Architectural Technologists and Technicians

There are a small number of BTS degrees offered in architectural support that would be similar to a Canadian technician-level degree. More often, however, graduates from architectural schools (which are legally regulated to issue architecture degrees) will start their careers doing support work for architects, including drafting, and eventually become full architects as they gain experience.

Ordre des Architectes (Association of Architects) at the professional level, no true occupational distinction for Technologist/Technician level workers.Drafting Technologists and Technicians

Electronic Service Technicians

Electronic Service TechniciansGenerally known as Technicien services en électronique or technicien de service electronique.

Various trade associations, not an organized occupation.

Source: RDA Global, contributions from listed professional organizations.

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Fact Sheets

Fact sheets on hiring internationally trained workers in engineering-related occupations can be found at www.albertacanada.com/immigration/publications.aspx. Follow the links below for more information on hiring for specific occupations:

� Hiring Architectural or Drafting Technologists or Technicians from France � Hiring Electronic Service Technicians from France � Hiring Engineers from France � Hiring Engineering Technologists or Technicians from France � Hiring Geoscientists from France � Hiring Geological/Mineral Technologists or Technicians from France

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Table 3. French Engineering Labour Force by Canadian Occupation and Average Age, 2010

Canadian Occupations Related Occupations (ISCO-88)Labour

Force

Labour Force Per 1000 Workers

Average Age

Geologist, Geochemists and Geophysicists 2114 Geologists and geophysicists 4,423 0.2 33

Civil Engineers 2142 Civil engineers 85,419 3 49

Mechanical Engineers 2145 Mechanical engineers 71,204 2.5 51

Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2143 Electrical engineers 35,634 1.2 33

2144 Electronics and telecommunications engineers

78,324 2.7 37

Chemical Engineers 2146 Chemical engineers 8,908 0.3 33

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers 2141 Industrial and production engineers 66,718 2.3 46

Metallurgical and Materials Engineers2147 Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals

4,423 0.2 33Mining Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Other Engineers and Related Professionals2149 Architects, engineers and related professionals not classified elsewhere

280,330 9.8 38

Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians Chemical Technologists and Technicians

3111 Chemical and physical science technicians 4,999 0.2 31

3117 Mining and metallurgical technicians 27,581 1 31

3116 Chemical engineering technicians 35,108 1.2 29

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

3112 Civil engineering technicians 85,328 3 43

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

3115 Mechanical engineering technicians 115,437 4 42

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

3113 Electrical engineering technicians 50,163 1.8 42

3114 Electronics and telecommunications engineering technicians

57,690 2 42

Electronic Service Technicians7243 Electronics mechanics and servicers 26,000 0.9 29Industrial Instruments Technicians and

Mechanics

Architectural Technologists and Technicians Drafting Technologists and Technicians

3118 Draughtspersons 52,691 1.8 39

Other Related Technician and Technologist Occupations

3119 Physical and engineering science technicians not classified elsewhere

145,546 5.1 44

All Geoscientists 4,423 0.2 33

All Engineers 630,960 22.1 41

All Engineering Technicians and Technologists 600,543 21.0 40

All Engineering Occupations 1,235,926 43.2 41

*Note: Labour force estimates include both French and foreign workers in France.Sources: Déclarations Annuelles de Données Sociales (DADS); European Social Survey.

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There are several different sources of information on engineers’ salaries in France. According to statistical salary information, in 2010 engineers’ pay averaged between €50,000 and €66,000 ($75,200 CAD to $99,200 CAD). All sources report similar average income for engineers by percentile, ranging from a low near €33,000 in the lower 10th percentile to a high of €108,000 in the upper 90th percentile. Engineers’ average income increases with age. Those less than 30 years old earned an average income of €36,800 ($55,300 CAD) in 2010, while those aged 30–34 earned €46,200 ($63,400 CAD) and those aged 35–39 earned €54,800 ($82,400 CAD).

The average total financial compensation of engineers was slightly lower in France than in other countries in 2010; French engineers typically earn more working outside of France than within it. In 2009, engineers reported average (mean)

Rates of Pay

gross annual income of €90,520 ($136,100 CAD) with median gross income of €69,904 ($105,110 CAD).6 Among French engineers working in English-speaking countries, the average was even higher at €103,903 ($156,200) with median income of €71,089 ($106,890 CAD).

There is no official statistical source that tracks the salaries of engineers, engineering technicians or geosciences workers at an occupational level (e.g., civil engineers vs. mechanical engineers). The closest approximations are by dominant activity and industry. (See Table 4 for additional information)

6Currency conversion based on rate on December 31, 2009: 1 EUR = 1.50361 CAD.

French engineers typically earn more working outside of France than within it.

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Table 4. Annual Gross Income of Engineers by Age and Industry, 2009

Industry

Age

Under 30 30 to 44 45 to 64 All Workers

Agriculture, forestry and fishing €29,000 €40,500 €61,250 €42,000

Industry €37,200 €55,000 €87,477 €56,000

Manufacture of food, beverages and tobacco €32,900 €55,000 €98,477 €53,072

Manufacture of textiles, clothing, leather and footwear €35,000 €65,000 N/A €60,000

Wood products, paper and printing industries €35,500 €56,325 €87,706 €61,175

Chemicals industry €39,300 €59,648 €93,000 €63,938

Pharmaceuticals €38,375 €53,763 €95,000 €51,720

Production of plastic, glass and non-metallic minerals €36,200 €54,702 €90,000 €56,000

Basic metals and fabricated metal products fabrication €37,208 €52,908 €90,000 €52,800

Mfg. of computer, electronic and optical components €36,500 €55,000 €80,500 €56,841

Mfg. electrical components €35,188 €52,225 €84,500 €60,000

Mfg. of machinery, equipment and weapons €36,124 €52,000 €80,000 €53,000

Mfg. of transport equipment, including aerospace €37,587 €53,100 €86,800 €54,060

Other industries, including repair and installation of equipment €37,000 €55,000 €75,000 €54,000

Utilities, electricity, gas, steam and air €40,000 €62,091 €90,000 €60,000

Water, sanitation, waste management and remediation €34,000 €49,000 €79,583 €48,792

Construction €36,000 €54,500 €100,000 €50,000

Services €36,000 €51,720 €76,290 €50,000

Retail and wholesale trade and repair €36,560 €55,000 €77,737 €54,204

Transportation and storage €39,664 €54,000 €95,000 €54,727

Accommodation and food services N/A N/A N/A €62,000

Publishing, audiovisual and broadcasting €40,446 €61,000 €70,955 €56,000

Telecommunications €38,700 €57,000 €80,840 €56,550

Financial and insurance services €43,000 €62,000 €92,000 €62,831

Computer and information services €36,866 €51,600 €75,000 €47,000

Engineering activities, monitoring and analysis services, etc. €34,240 €46,800 €76,940 €41,000

Scientific research and development €30,960 €42,399 €64,471 €42,399

Public administration €36,471 €48,000 €72,500 €52,500

Education €28,239 €37,500 €58,000 €42,353

Healthcare €33,473 €44,250 €60,480 €45,000

Other services €38,000 €59,000 €85,319 €55,000

Source: CNISF Observatory for Activity of Graduate Engineers, 21st Survey (2010).

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Table 5. Share of Engineering Labour Force by RegionRegion Share

Ile-de-France (Paris) 22.6%

Rhône-Alpes 10.2%

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 7.5%

Nord-Pas-de-Calais 5.8%

Pays de la Loire 5.6%

Bretagne (Brittany) 4.7%

Aquitaine 4.7%

Midi-Pyrénées 4.2%

Centre 3.9%

Other regions 30.8%

Total 100%

Source: DADS Database 2010.

There are 22 administrative regions in France. Those with the greatest number of engineers and related workers are Ile-de-France (Paris), Rhône-Alpes (including the major cities of Lyon and Grenoble) and Provence-Alpes–Côte d’Azur (including Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence). Combined, these three regions are home to 62 per cent of all engineering companies in France and 41 per cent of the engineering-related labour force.

Paris is the educational, cultural and commercial centre of France and is home to many of the nation’s leading engineering universities.

Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and is the second-largest metropolitan area in France. The

Where to Recruit

region is known for light engineering and high tech. Mechanical engineering activity is concentrated around Annecy, while special precision machining is concentrated around Cluses. The region is also known for high-tech industries and nanotechnology, especially in Grenoble.

The Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur region is known for electrical engineering and electronics in Alpes-Maritimes (mainly around Cannes and Nice).

The Midi–Pyrénées region has a large aerospace industry, mainly located in Toulouse. The industry supports more than 3,000 enterprises that supply its engineering, electronic, telecommunications and computing infrastructure.

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Bretage

Aquitaine

Bourgogne

Alsage

Haute-Normandie

Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Languedoc-Roussillon

Picardie

Ile-de-FranceChampage-

Ardenne

Lorraine

Centre

Pays de la Loire

Poitou-Charentes

Midi-Pyrénées

Limousin

Basse-Normandie

Rhône-AlpesAuvergne

Corse

Franche-Comte

Figure 3. Regions of France

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www.AlbertaCanada.com/immigration

©2012 Government of Alberta Published: August 2012 ISBN Electronic: 978-0-7785-9927-2