ShareRefrigeration employment in France: a growing need to replace retiring workers
In its latest sector survey, the Sneffca association highlights the ongoing positive balance between new hires and departures, albeit narrower than in 2021.
In February 2025, the French National union of refrigeration, professional kitchen equipment and air conditioning companies (Sneffca) published the results of its most recent survey on the refrigeration sector in France.
Employment figures are up
The refrigeration, professional kitchen equipment, and air conditioning sector currently employs 34,500 people, marking a 6% increase from 2021 [1].
According to Sneffca’s data, unemployment in the sector is close to zero. 90.5% of employees have been hired on permanent contracts, with almost all positions being full-time (96.5%). The majority (91%) of companies in the sector are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, collectively employing over 40% of the overall workforce.
Young people and women remain underrepresented
Women make up 18% of the workforce, a stable figure compared to 2019, when they accounted for 17% [2]. As for younger workers, the apprenticeship rate remains stable at 7% (compared to 6% in 2019 [2]).
The balance between new hires and departures is shrinking
The key trend to monitor is the balance between new hires and departures. In 2023, the hiring rate stood at 18.5%, while the employee attrition rate was 15%. This resulted in a positive balance (+1,100 jobs), but the Sneffca has also noted that the balance is shrinking compared to 2021 (+1,650 jobs).
At the EU level, the European Labour Authority (ELA) has highlighted a shortage of “air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics” due to the aging workforce and the pressure to replace retirees [3].
Sources
[2] https://ton-avenir-en-froid-clim.fr/les-entreprises-du-froid-embauchent/
[3] https://iifiir.org/en/news/eu-reports-shortage-of-rac-technicians