Professional Training Agreement

The Professional Training Contract

The professional training contract is a private-law employment contract that can be entered into as either a fixed-term or permanent contract, with no age limit. It falls under the category of continuing education and is administered by the Continuing Education Office at the University of Montpellier. The professional training contract enables participants to earn a state-recognized degree.
It is intended for students aged 16 to 25 to supplement their initial training, or for job seekers over the age of 26.

Eligible Training Programs

All national degree programs offered by the Faculty of Sciences are eligible for the professional training contract.

List of Programs Open to Work-Study Students

Beneficiaries

Young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to complete their initial training
Job seekers aged 26 and older.
Recipients of the Active Solidarity Income (RSA), the Specific Solidarity Allowance (ASS), or the Allowance for Adults with Disabilities (AAH)
People who have benefited from a subsidized contract (Single Integration Contract—CUI)

If you are over 26 years old, you are required to register as a job seeker with France Travail.

Employers

All private-sector employers required to contribute to the funding of continuing vocational training. Public industrial and commercial entities (EPICs), such as the RATP, the SNCF, the National Forestry Office, and maritime defense companies, may enter into professional training contracts.

Compensation

Level of education or training prior to the professional training contract

Age	A professional degree or diploma equivalent to or higher than a high school diploma or a higher education gree	A professional degree or diploma equivalent to or higher than a high school diploma or a higher education gree
Under 21	55% of the minimum wage	65% of the minimum wage
Aged 21 to 25 (inclusive)	70% of the minimum wage	80% of the minimum wage
26 and older	At least the minimum wage or 85% of the industry-specific minimum wage, whichever is higher	At least the minimum wage or 85% of the industry-specific minimum wage, whichever is higher

Collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts may provide for more favorable compensation for the employee.

Hiring Assistance

AFE (Lump-Sum Employer Subsidy) : This is a grant of up to €2,000 for a full-time employee under certain conditions (paid after 3 months and upon contract termination).

Hiring Assistance for Job Seekers Aged 45 or Older Under a Professional Training Contract:
This assistance provides up to €2,000 for a full-time position under certain conditions (can be combined with the AFE).

More details on these assistance programs:

^{=> https://www.alternance.emploi.gouv.fr/aides-pour-recruter-en-contrat-de-professionnalisation}
^{=> https://www.pole-emploi.fr/employeur/aides-aux-recrutements/les-aides-a-lembauche/aide-a-lembauche-dun-demandeur-d.html}

For more information:

=> OPCO 2i Summary Sheet:
^{https://www.opco2i.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/opco2i-fiche-pratique-contrat-pro-2023-2.pdf}

=> The Ministry of Labor’s website summarizing all the terms of the contract: ^{https://travail-emploi.gouv.fr/formation-professionnelle/formation-en-alternance-10751/contrat-de-professionnalisation}
=> Cost calculator for an employee on a professional training contract: ^{https://www.alternance.emploi.gouv.fr/simulateur-employeur/etape-1}