82%
Construction recruitments considered difficult
156,000
Unfilled positions in 2024
76 days
Average recruitment duration
42%
Construction workers over 50
The challenges of construction recruitment
The construction sector faces the highest recruitment tension of all sectors. 82% of companies report difficulties, 156,000 positions unfilled in 2024, and a major demographic challenge with 85,000 retirements expected between 2024 and 2027. The sector must simultaneously replace departures, integrate new skills (energy renovation, BIM) and improve attractiveness.
Most sought profiles and salary scales
Salaries and recruitment difficulties in construction (2024)
| Trade | Difficulty rate | Average annual salary | Planned recruitments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 76% | 28,000 - 40,000 EUR | 22,000 |
| Mason | 78% | 26,000 - 36,000 EUR | 18,000 |
| Plumber-heating installer | 80% | 27,000 - 39,000 EUR | 16,000 |
| Carpenter | 83% | 27,000 - 37,000 EUR | 12,000 |
| Site manager | 85% | 35,000 - 48,000 EUR | 9,500 |
| Project leader | 87% | 40,000 - 60,000 EUR | 9,000 |
| Crane operator | 88% | 30,000 - 42,000 EUR | 3,500 |
Mandatory certifications and qualifications in construction
Certifications to verify during recruitment
- CACES machinery (1 to 10)
Depending on machinery used on site. Validity period: 5 years.
- Working at height and harness use
Mandatory for all exposed positions. Regular renewal required.
- Electrical qualifications (B1, B2, BR, H1)
Mandatory for electricians and some project leaders.
- Asbestos awareness training SS3 and SS4
For demolition or renovation sites of old buildings.
- AIPR (Network Proximity Work Authorisation)
Mandatory for work near underground networks.
- RGE certifications
QualiPAC, QualiPV, QualiSOL for energy renovation work.
- Driving licence mandatory
Class C or EC licence for transporting heavy materials.
0/7 effectué(s)0%
Sourcing channels that work in construction
Traditional vs digital channels in construction
| Critère | Traditional channels (still effective) | Developing digital channels |
|---|---|---|
| Best channel | Word of mouth / cooptation (37% of recruitments) | Facebook local construction groups |
| Public employment channel | Public employment agency (large profile base) | Batiactu Jobs, Le Moniteur Jobs |
| Training channel | AFPA, GRETA, construction CFA | LinkedIn (management profiles) |
| Evaluation | Practical test on site or workshop | Photos/videos of completed work |
| Attractiveness | Site signage, posters | Instagram (attractive site visuals) |
Adapt process to construction seasonality
Peak season vs off-season
| Critère | Peak season (March to October) | Off-season (November to February) |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Fast recruitments and accelerated process | Anticipated recruitments and complete process |
| Process | 2 steps max (interview + short practical test) | 3-4 steps with site immersion |
| Target timeline | 1 to 2 weeks maximum | 3 to 4 weeks with prior training |
| Profiles | Immediately operational, current certifications | Junior profiles to train, apprentices |
Cooptation: channel number 1 in construction
37% of construction recruitments happen through word of mouth. Formalise a cooptation programme: 500 to 1,000 EUR bonus for your workers who recommend a hired profile. Simple, inexpensive and very effective. Profiles recommended by your teams are already 'validated' by peers.
Questions about construction recruitment
How to quickly recruit a qualified project leader?
The project leader is the most difficult to recruit in construction (87% difficulty). Strategies: 1) Direct approach on LinkedIn with personalised message presenting your projects (project leaders like technical challenges), 2) Contact specialised construction recruitment firms, 3) Promote internal progression (site manager → project leader), 4) Offer attractive package: company car, site bonuses, continuous training, flexitime.
Must CACES be verified before hire?
Yes, CACES verification is essential before hire because it's mandatory by law. CACES is valid for 5 years, and you're liable if someone operates machinery without current certification. Never compromise on this - if a candidate's CACES expires in 3 months, either they renew it at their expense before hire, or schedule renewal in the first month of employment.
How to promote construction as a career to young people?
Show modern reality: energy renovation (growing sector), BIM software (digital tools), sustainable construction, site safety innovations. Break the 'dirty and dangerous' stereotype with authentic videos of your sites and testimonials from young workers. Emphasise: rapid career progression, salary growth, independence, and the satisfaction of building tangible things.
Should you always use apprenticeships to solve shortages?
Apprenticeships are excellent for long-term talent pipeline, but not a magic solution for immediate needs. An apprentice won't solve urgent staffing gaps (they need training, supervision, 3-year contracts). Best approach: combine urgent recruiting (experienced workers) + strategic apprenticeships for future needs. Work with local CFA to align apprenticeship timings with your recruitment calendar.
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