The aeronautical, space and defense industries in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes recorded strong recruitment activity in 2025 and are expected to maintain hiring momentum in 2026, according to the latest employment survey released by Aerospace Cluster.
The survey results, presented on March 3, show that companies in the regional aerospace ecosystem hired more than 3,000 employees in 2025, while at least 2,500 additional positions are expected to be created in 2026. According to the report, all surveyed companies recruited last year, and 95% plan to continue hiring in the coming year, highlighting the sector’s expanding role in regional industrial growth.
Production-related roles represent the largest share of hiring demand. Aerospace manufacturers are seeking operators and machine setters for CNC equipment, along with turners, milling machine operators and machining technicians. Companies are also recruiting assembly-adjusters, aeronautical mechanics, shift managers and production managers to support increasing manufacturing activity.
These roles are considered essential for meeting production targets tied to major aerospace and defense programs. Industry stakeholders note that the sector’s ability to fill these positions directly affects industrial performance and delivery timelines.
Beyond production workshops, companies are also strengthening teams in several strategic technical functions. Recruitment demand remains significant in areas such as quality control, non-destructive testing (NDT), aeronautical testing, engineering, industrialization and quality assurance.
These functions play a critical role in ensuring product conformity, operational reliability and flight safety. They also support process stability and operational efficiency, contributing to the sector’s competitiveness in global aerospace markets.
Despite strong recruitment activity, companies continue to face workforce shortages. According to the survey, 93% of firms report ongoing recruitment difficulties, particularly for production roles, which account for hiring challenges in about 75% of cases. While some companies have observed slight improvements in the labor market in recent months, the shortage of skilled industrial workers remains a long-term issue for the sector.
“The results of our survey confirm a strong reality: the sector is recruiting massively and sustainably. But they also show that attractiveness and training for industrial careers remain our main challenge. If we want to meet growth objectives, ensure quality, and reinforce our industrial sovereignty, we must collectively invest in skills,” said Benoit-Etienne Guignard, President of Aerospace Cluster.
Industry stakeholders say addressing these workforce challenges will require stronger collaboration between companies, training institutions and regional authorities. Expanding training programs, updating skill frameworks and improving links between industry and education are seen as key steps to ensure the availability of qualified professionals in areas such as production, quality assurance and non-destructive testing.
