Arts et Métiers, in partnership withOpinion Way, has published its eighth barometer survey on young people's perceptions of industry. An initial survey was conducted in February 2020, and certain questions were asked again in May to see whether the COVID crisis had had an impact on young people's perceptions. The results show that, despite the context, the industry's image remains positive among high school students.
Does the industry still have a good image among young people despite the health crisis? Are young people confident about the future of the industry? What do they think about how industrial companies are handling the crisis? Do they still want to work in the industrial sector?
To answer these questions, 514 high school students studying science and technology were surveyed.
In the context of a health crisis, the industry's image remains positive
After two months marked by the health crisis and lockdown, 83% of high school students still have a positive opinion of the industry. This trend continues to rise, despite the pandemic.
For one-third of high school students, the health crisis has positively changed their perception of French industry (28%) and people working in industry (33%).
51% of them even believe that skilled labor is the main asset of French industry.
Recognition of the mobilization of industrial companies in response to Covid-19... But also a profound questioning of offshoring
For high school students, the French industrial companies that got involved were largely exemplary in terms of health, social issues, and solidarity.
However, young people are also critical of industry. 67% of them accuse companies of opportunism in trying to gain visibility and profit. In fact, 90% of young people believe that companies could have done better if they had outsourced fewer of their factories. Outsourcingis seen as the main weakness of French industry.
The health crisis: an opportunity to revitalize French industry
A large majority of high school students remain optimistic, with 79% believing that French industry will recover from the crisis and 87% of those surveyed seeing the crisis as an opportunity to (re)energize French industry within the country.
Finally, the industry continues to attract new talent, with 61% of high school students saying they would like to work in industry.
