LUCINE S. - With all these crises going on, is global warming being put on the back burner?
PHILIPPE KNOCHE - In today’s complex and changing environment, one thing remains constant: the absolute need to contain global warming. If we continue along the current path, the Paris Agreement target to limit it to below 2°C will not be achieved.
We are closer to a 2.5°C trajectory, so we need to act.
There is a need to “decarbonize” power generation in order to phase out fossil fuels, while simultaneously making electricity accessible to all. By continuously producing low-carbon electricity, nuclear power is one of the essential solutions.
« Our goal is to provide reliable solutions in response to the challenges of energy sovereignty and climate change. »
Hiring
JULIE D. - Now that the nuclear industry has been relaunched, what are Orano’s hiring challenges?
PHILIPPE KNOCHE - In 2022, we hired 1,440 people worldwide, including around 1,200 in France. One third of these new profiles are managers and engineers. I am delighted to see an increase in the proportion of young people among our new recruits, whether freshly graduated or coming from internships or work-study experiences with us. In 2023, we will hire 1,500 new employees, including 1,300 in France, as well as around 600 work-study students and 200 interns.
We need talent, personalities and profiles from all walks of life to build tomorrow’s nuclear industry together.
80% of our jobs are not “pure nuclear” occupations.
Julie Dulieu
Former work-study student at Orano Projects, general installation engineer for the ATEF project (Orano Med)
ARAY S. - What kind of profiles are you recruiting?
PHILIPPE KNOCHE - We’re looking for study, design and engineering people to meet the needs of our engineering subsidiary Orano Projects. We’re also hiring maintenance, radiation protection and production technicians, along with IT/data people and project managers for decontaminating and dismantling operations. We have around 250 different occupations spanning multiple areas of activity. At Orano, everyone can find their pathway. And our Vocational Training Schools are there to train employees and help them develop new skills.
LAURA S. - What would you say to a young person wishing to join Orano?
PHILIPPE KNOCHE - Joining Orano is making a commitment to the world of tomorrow. We have a role to play in helping to develop safe and sustainable nuclear activities, protecting the climate and building national and European sovereignty in strategic areas such as energy and industrial independence.
Getting involved in these matters is both a heavy responsibility and a source of great pride for all of us. Looking for meaningful work is a legitimate goal. Orano is the place to be for all those determined to contribute to finding solutions.