Apprenticeships in heritage trades like carpentry, masonry and roofing have soared in France – driven partly by what experts are calling the "Notre-Dame effect" following the restoration of the iconic cathedral after its devastating 2019 fire.
Between 2018 and 2023, the number of apprentice carpenters in France rose by 44 percent, while apprenticeships in traditional masonry and roofing nearly doubled, according to a report this week from the Institut Supérieur des Métiers (ISM), a resource and training centre for artisanal small businesses.
Niche trades such as organ builders and stained-glass artisans have also seen their apprentice numbers double, or more, over the past five years.
This rise in apprenticeships in artisanal trades is part of a larger trend. Following a major reform in 2018 and the introduction of significant recruitment subsidies, the number of apprentices across all fields in France has increased – from 317,000 in 2017 to 853,000 in 2023.
Notre-Dame reborn: the epic quest that saved France's sacred heart
'Notre-Dame effect'
However, the Institut Supérieur des Métiers also points to the "Notre-Dame effect" as having had a significant influence. The cathedral’s reconstruction, which began in 2019, has sparked new interest in heritage trades.
"Notre-Dame has sparked a lot of conversations about creative and artistic trades," said Catherine Elie, director of the Institut Supérieur des Métiers.
The number of apprentices in trades such as roofing (an increase of 23 percent between 2018 and 2023), cabinet making (an increase of 31 percent), and stone carving (40 percent) has seen substantial growth.
Notre-Dame reopening backed by $62m from American donors
Subsidy cuts
"There’s a labour crisis in France, and these meaningful and passionate professions align with new aspirations," said Elie. She adds that these often demanding fields are drawing many young people towards new careers.
However, many artisans are concerned about a government proposal to reduce hiring subsidies for apprenticeships, which they argue would make recruitment difficult, as apprenticeships remain a key part of the artisanal sector.
In early November, Joël Fourny, president of the Chambres de Métiers et de l'Artisanat (CMA), the French body representing trades and craftsmanship, warned of the risk of "having young people who can't find jobs, which would then create social costs instead of saving money by cutting subsidies".
Notre-Dame cathedral reopens on Saturday, 7 December with a ceremony attended by 50 world leaders.
Trump to join Macron and world leaders at reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral
(with AFP)
