The transition to a circular economic model, based on the principles of reusing, repairing, re-using and recycling resources, will not happen without profoundly changing the landscape of existing professions. Far from being a threat, this paradigm shift represents a tremendous opportunity to create jobs that cannot be relocated, in the service of a more virtuous and sustainable economic model.
An economy that creates jobs
According to figures from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe), the re-use and repair sector could create up to 500,000 jobs in France by 2030. This is a considerable source of local employment, which needs to be exploited to support the transformation of our economy towards a more circular economy.
By replacing the traditional linear economic model of « extract, produce, consume, throw away » with a logic of reuse and recovery of existing resources, the circular economy opens the way to new professions and new job-creating activities.
By their very nature, these jobs cannot be relocated, as they are linked to the management of material and waste flows in local areas. A unique opportunity to relocate part of our economic activity, while reducing our dependence on imported raw materials.
New skills to acquire
But to fully embrace these approaches to reuse, repair, re-use and recycling, businesses will need specific skills that are very different from those required in a traditional linear economy.
In-depth knowledge of materials and their life cycles will be essential, as will the ability to dismantle, refurbish and recondition used products. Optimised management of waste flows and secondary resources will also become a key skill to master.
Cross-disciplinary skills such as creativity, an innovative spirit and the ability to work as part of a network will also be particularly valued in this circular economy, where new solutions will constantly need to be devised to complete the production and consumption cycles.
Jobs in the circular economy
We are also seeing the emergence of new jobs specific to the circular economy, such as that of « resourcer ». A true resource hunter, the resourcer’s job is to identify and develop the deposits of secondary raw materials available in a given area.
Repairers » are another new and fast-growing family of professions. Their role is to refurbish used products to extend their lifespan, by dismantling them, renovating them and reassembling them with re-used parts.
Their role is to refurbish used products to extend their lifespan, by dismantling them, renovating them and reassembling them with re-used parts.
But beyond these specific new professions, the circular economy is also having a profound impact on existing professions, which have to adapt to these new production and consumption patterns. Designers and engineers, for example, must now incorporate eco-design principles to facilitate the dismantling and recycling of products at the end of their life.
Training for the professions of tomorrow
Faced with these new skills requirements, training initiatives are multiplying to prepare tomorrow’s professionals for the challenges of the circular economy.
More and more schools are offering dedicated courses, such as the Bac Pro « Energy renovation trades » or the Licence Pro « Circular economy and waste ». Training that combines technical knowledge with an awareness of environmental issues.
Some pioneering companies have also set up their own in-house training programmes to support their teams in this transition to new, more circular modes of production and consumption.
But beyond this initial training, the challenge will also be to enable working professionals to retrain or acquire new skills throughout their career. This is a major challenge if we are to support the transformation of our economy towards a more circular economy.
A source of local employment
Ultimately, the circular economy is profoundly reshaping the landscape of professions, opening the way to new professional horizons that are full of meaning and offer a sustainable future.
Far from being a threat to employment, this transition represents, on the contrary, a tremendous opportunity to create new local jobs that cannot be relocated, in the service of a more virtuous economic model that respects the environment.
Jobs rooted in the regions, linked to the management of material and waste flows, and helping to reduce our dependence on imported natural resources.
A unique opportunity to relocate part of our economic activity, while responding to the major environmental challenges facing our society.
To make the most of your unused resources and become part of this virtuous dynamic, discover CircularPlace: the platform dedicated to the circular economy! CircularPlace offers you various solutions for reusing, reselling or recycling your unsold goods, second-hand equipment and waste in a responsible way.
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