Chemistry of equal opportunities: internships in the chemical industry

The European Alliance for Apprentices (EAfA) aims to make France’s chemical industry more sustainable, inclusive, and ready for the green transition. The key question is whether these ambitious promises translate into real change or remain mostly a tool of public relations.

4 min read · 22 Oct 2025

Michalina Szpyrka ·

The chemical industry as a backbone of the economy

France’s chemical sector underpins many areas of the economy — from pharmaceuticals and construction materials to cutting-edge technologies supporting the energy transition. Its strength relies on skilled workers whose competences must constantly evolve to meet market demands.

France Chimie, working closely with public authorities, views internships as a crucial tool for preparing the future workforce for challenges linked to digitalization and decarbonization. Within the EAfA framework, the organization pledged a 30% increase in work-study internships by 2025, starting from 6,000 agreements in the 2020/2021 academic year.

This target has already been met in 2023–2024, with over 7,800 agreements signed annually. The numbers are impressive, but questions remain about quality: is the increase in internships translating into stronger skills, or is it primarily a quantitative metric that meets EU youth employment strategy expectations?

Decarbonization through education – is it enough?

A cornerstone of France Chimie’s efforts is the “DécarboChim” project, developed with the Gay-Lussac Federation and the Assembly of Technical Schools. The initiative aims to create a skills framework for decarbonizing the French chemical industry and integrate it into training programs. While this aligns with EU policy priorities — from the Green Deal to the Sustainable Products Act — the effectiveness of its implementation is critical.

Will training alone suffice to ensure the chemical sector actually reduces emissions? The absence of parallel mechanisms enforcing the adoption of green technologies in chemical plants raises concerns that this initiative may function more as an educational add-on than as a driver of genuine transformation.

Gender equality – real progress or just numbers?

France Chimie highlights its achievements in gender equality: women make up 40% of the chemical industry workforce, 54% of internship participants, and 50% of engineering students across 20 chemical schools. Initiatives like the “La chimie au féminin” campaign and cooperation with the CGénial Foundation aim to promote STEM education among young people.

These figures are encouraging, but it remains to be asked whether they result from systemic efforts or simply reflect broader trends in higher education. Equal access to internships does not always translate into equal representation in leadership roles — a gap that remains insufficiently monitored.

Mobility and digital skills – potential and barriers

France Chimie also promotes mobility through the Euro App Mobility Association, supporting digital resources like industry-specific e-learning and PIX skills certification. Such initiatives respond to the need for internationalized competences, particularly in a globally oriented sector.

However, practical barriers persist: language differences, non-recognition of qualifications across countries, and unequal access to funding for international internships. Do France Chimie’s efforts genuinely overcome these obstacles, or mainly support those already positioned to participate in international programs?

Communication and PR – driving change or self-promotion?

The organization plans to widely promote its EAfA membership on websites and social media to raise awareness of the importance of internships and encourage others to follow suit. Transparent communication is essential, but in an industry where social acceptance is often influenced by environmental concerns and industrial accidents, PR efforts can easily be perceived as greenwashing.

The true test of France Chimie’s effectiveness will not be media campaigns, but whether its educational programs lead to lasting employment, environmental innovation, and genuine opening of the industry to diversity.

From promises to real transformation

France Chimie’s participation in EAfA shows the chemical sector recognizes the importance of investing in talent, equal opportunities, and decarbonization. The crucial question remains whether this is the beginning of a genuine sector transformation or just another set of statements aligned with EU rhetoric without structural changes. Only a proactive approach by companies can truly reshape reality and contribute to building a modern, sustainable industry for the modern world.

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Michalina Szpyrka

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