Public transport needs 100,000 new workers by 2030

The public transport sector needs to hire 100,000 new workers by 2030, mainly because many current employees are retiring. This demand includes roles in buses, trains, and technical fields, but the industry is struggling to attract young people to these jobs.

Young people rank transport last for career choices

A study by Norstat for the UTPF (Union des Transports Publics et Ferroviaires) found that only 12-13% of young people aged 12 to 18 consider a career in transport, making it the least attractive sector among twelve tested. Sectors like digital, hospitality, and construction are far more appealing to this age group.

Transport jobs are known but not desired

Although 90% of young people know about jobs like train conductors, only 34% of those aged 12 to 18 consider these roles as career options. This is much lower than the success seen in recruitment campaigns by SNCF, which receive 250,000 applications annually, or 50 CVs per position.

Daily transport use increases career interest

The study found that young people who use public transport every day or almost every day are more likely to consider a career in the sector. About 22% of these individuals think about transport jobs, compared to just 2% of those who rarely use it.

Efforts to promote transport jobs have mixed results

The industry has tried for years to promote its advantages through campaigns, school visits, and online platforms. While visible roles like conductor or reception agent are well known, technical and digital jobs in the sector are less recognized. After learning more about the variety of jobs available, 28% of young people expressed interest in them.

Experts stress the need to highlight job diversity

Géraldine Adam, Director of Attractiveness, Employment, and Training for the UTPF, emphasized that knowledge about the sector's job diversity is crucial for attracting young people. She noted that simply promoting the sector is not enough; it must show the range of careers, training opportunities, and the experiences of current workers.

Persistent challenges in changing perceptions

Despite efforts to improve wages, working conditions, and work-life balance, the transport sector still faces challenges in changing public perception. Many young people still see the sector as having low pay and poor work-life balance, which makes it less appealing compared to other industries.