How can we support our members
on attractiveness?
fULL ORDRE BOOKS AND STRUCTURING EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
In line with the needs of its members, GICAN is fully mobilized to promote the professions of the “Industriels de la mer” and to ensure that training courses meet the needs of industry. For several years now, the French shipbuilding industry has been struggling to attract and recruit, but the maritime sector is ready to take up the human resources challenge. The sector is behind the creation of CINav (ex-Campus des Industries Navales), which focuses on pedagogical engineering, with the creation of skill blocks to complement existing training courses, in order to highlight needs in technical occupations.
At European level, GICAN is a partner in the ASSETS project, financed by the European Commission, which aims to create and maintain sufficient skills resources for the needs of the defense sector. GICAN also participates in the European Social Dialogue Committee for Shipbuilding, a tripartite committee which includes SEA Human, a committee of SEA Europe. Jacques HARDELAY, Chairman of Chantier Naval de Marseille and GICAN Board member, chairs both these bodies.
PERSISTENT rECRUITMENT CHALLENGES REQUIRING LONG-TERM EFFORTS
For several years, the French naval industry has struggled to attract talent, but the maritime sector is ready to meet this HR challenges. To restore the sector’s prestige, GICAN and its members work to promote naval careers, highlighting their high added value and numerous opportunities. A key priority is ensuring that training programs produce “job-ready” graduates to avoid high costs and time associated with internal training.
The sector founded CINav, which focuses on educational engineering and ‘skill blocks” to supplement existing training. Throughout the year, CINav teams participate to public events across France to showcase employment opportunities in French naval and maritime industry.
The shipbuilding sector offers significant career progression and social mobility. While over 30 professions are currently ‘in demand’, they face stiff competition from other powerful sectors like nuclear, aerospace or offshore wind. To remain attractive, the naval sector must adapt vocational training through specific cycles, new pedagogical tools, and the transmission of a ‘crew spirit’ and a strong attachment to the maritime world.
Increasing the number of women in the sector is a major opportunity to expand the talent pool. Professions have evolved and are now fully accessible to women, who are joining the industry in growing numbers. We are committed to reducing the physical hardship of certain roles through innovation, technology, and career evolution.
Key figures: The naval industry plans to recruit 30 000 people over the next 10 years (including 10 000 net new jobs). For the entre Maritime Industry Sector, needs are estimated at 70 000 recruitments, including 22 000 net new jobs.
GICAN is a member of SEA EUROPE and participates in the Shipbuilding Social Dialogue Committee (SSDC) and the SEA Human Capital committee. Jacques HARDELAY (Honorary President of Chantier Naval de Marseille and GICA? Board Member) chairs these two bodies.
Since 2023, GICAN has been a partner in the LeaderSHIP project, a European Erasmus+ program (2023-2027) aimed at building the skills of tomorrow for the European maritime industry.
The project brings together industrial groups, industry representatives, national and European social partners, regional shipbuilding and repair clusters, and training organizations to stimulate innovation, competitiveness, and resilience across the European shipbuilding sector and the entire maritime industry.
To achieve this, the program supports the development of a sectoral skills strategy, the design and implementation of training at the European level, and the establishment of sustainable cooperation under the “Pact for Skills” in the fields of shipbuilding and the maritime industry.
The program will design and implement expert or upskilling training courses aligned with industrial needs to develop the skills of current and future employees in strategic areas, helping the industry meet the challenges of the twin digital and green transitions. Indeed, the project aims to address current and emerging skills needs related to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and accelerating the use of renewable energies.
Rooted in EU-level social dialogue between employers and employee representatives, the LeaderSHIP project also aims to expand and strengthen the partnership by engaging stakeholders at the regional maritime economy level, promoting sustainable cooperation on skills, and developing partnerships and collaboration between companies and educational institutions throughout Europe.
THE HR CLUB
GICAN leads an HR Club for SMEs, Mid-Cap, and large groups to share best practices. It brings together HR Directors, recruitment managers, and training officers. The club hosts regular webinars to provide information, contact, and networking opportunities.
job and internship board
Every month, GICAN provides HR Club members with a list of applications (internships, apprenticeships, and job seekers) received directly by the association.
Note: Candidatures must not already be employed within the sector to be included.
Trade show participation
GICAN is active in several key events:
– Pro&Mer (Lorient), organized by the Brittany Naval Hub (BPN)
– LH Port Days (Le Havre), focusing on shipbuilding and repair
– Euromaritime et euronaval: GICAN organizes dedicated highlights focuses on training and recruitment at these major international shows.
