Apprenticeship contract
Apprenticeships are based on the principle of alternating between theoretical instruction at an apprentice training center (CFA) and on-the-job training with the employer with whom the apprentice has signed a contract. Apprenticeships are governed by the provisions of the Labor Code (Book II, Part 6).
Frequently asked questions
Apprenticeship contract and professional training contract: what are the differences?
The apprenticeship contract is a comprehensive initial training program that allows young people to obtain, under a specific employment contract, a technical or vocational diploma or qualification listed in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP). It is open to young people aged 16 to 29.
The apprenticeship contract is a program that aims to enable young people to acquire a qualification recognized by a professional branch or registered with the RNCP, with a view to rapid integration into the labor market. It may be available to people over the age of 26.
The legislative and legal framework differs between the two types of contract: target audience, employer authorization, contract formalities, contract terms and duration, youth remuneration, employer benefits, training funding, and contract succession.
What are the requirements for enrolling in an apprenticeship program?
There are four of them:
- Be over 16 and under 30 years of age (no age limit in certain exceptional cases),
- Meet the requirements for admission to the desired training program,
- Sign an apprenticeship contract with an employer, after ensuring that the proposed job is in line with the requirements of the desired diploma or qualification.
- The requested training program must have enough places available to accommodate the apprentice.
Is apprenticeship training worthwhile?
No, it isfree training for work-study students and paid, since it is carried out under employee status.
How much will I be paid?
| Age of the apprentice | first year | second year | third year |
| Under 18 years of age | 27% of the minimum wage | 39% of the minimum wage | 55% of the minimum wage |
| From 18 to 20 years old | 43% of the minimum wage | 51% of the minimum wage | 67% of the minimum wage |
| From 21 to 25 years old | 53% of the minimum wage | 61% of the minimum wage | 78% of the minimum wage |
| Over 26 years old | 100% of the minimum wage | 100% of the minimum wage | 100% of the minimum wage |
What is the principle of learning?
Apprenticeships are based on the principle of alternating between academic and practical training provided at a training center and the acquisition of skills with an employer.
The pace of this alternation varies depending on the training program, but follows a schedule established in advance.
The apprenticeship contract is a special employment contract that allows students to benefit from dual status: student and full-time employee of the company.
With which employer can you sign an apprenticeship contract?
Apprenticeships can be undertaken with any type of employer, whether private, public, or non-profit:
Private-sector employers established or domiciled in France (mainland and overseas departments),
=> State, local, and hospital civil service institutions,
=> Public industrial and commercial institutions (EPIC),
=> Temporary employment agencies,
=> Associations under the 1901 law,
=> Employer groups,
=> Liberal professions.
How do I go about finding an employer?
Finding an employer is a key step for future apprentices, as it immediately positions them as active participants in their training program. This is done using the same methods as for a traditional job search: consulting job offers, attending dedicated forums and job fairs, searching online and in newspapers, visiting employment centers, prospecting and submitting unsolicited applications to companies, activating personal networks, etc.
The quality of your resume and cover letter, thorough preparation for the job interview, and strong motivation will increase your chances of success.
The process of looking for an employer can ideally begin in March for training that starts in September.
Although it is preferable for candidates to take a proactive approach and find their own host company, the CFA EnSup-LR development department can advise or assist you in this process, in particular by helping you to put together relevant application documents (resume, cover letters).
Workshops on business search strategies and techniques are organized by the CFA.
When does one become an apprentice?
It is on the day the apprenticeship contract is signed with the company that the young person acquires apprentice status. They become a full employee of the company, benefiting from the provisions applicable to all employees. Teaching time is included in the work schedule.
What are the rights and responsibilities of an apprentice?
Apprentices are subject to the same working conditions as other employees of the company or administration. The legal working week is 35 hours. Training time is considered working time. Apprentices are also entitled to paid leave calculated in the same way as for other employees of the company or administration.Depending on the collective agreement, industry or company agreements, apprentices may, like other employees, be entitled to social benefits such as a 13th month's salary, health insurance, meal vouchers, etc. Finally, under an apprenticeship contract, apprentices contribute to retirement and unemployment insurance.
What to do in case of absence?
Absences, whether during class periods or company placements, must be justified. Only authorized absences (e.g., illness, family events) will be accepted by the CFA.
Find out more
Does the diploma obtained in this way have the same "value" as a diploma obtained through traditional means?
Absolutely. The training program and academic exams are the same for all students, whether they are apprentices or not.
Apprenticeship training requires significant personal investment and strong motivation. However, the added value of a diploma obtained through an apprenticeship compared to a diploma obtained through a traditional course of study is the acquisition of concrete professional experience, which is a real passport to employment, enabling rapid and successful integration into the workforce. Apprenticeships also allow students to develop skills in terms of organization, autonomy,
What qualifications can I study for as an apprentice?
All levels of education are concerned by apprenticeships. Young people must first meet the admission requirements for their chosen course, just like students on traditional courses.
When does the training start?
The courses follow the same academic calendar as non-work-study programs and generally begin between September and November each year, ending between May and August.
The signing of an apprenticeship contract is permitted for a period of 3 months after the start date of the training.
Is the pace of the work-study program the same for all courses?
No, this pace may vary depending on the training program.
It is important to find out in advance about the work-study schedule for the program, as this may be a determining factor for your future employer.
Consult the calendars.
What support is available for apprentices?
The CFA has set up a digital work-study booklet: STUDEA. It is a web-based tool that allows apprentices to be monitored throughout the duration of their contract. Its purpose is to connect apprentices, academic tutors, and apprenticeship supervisors. It serves as a meeting place, a tool for exchange, and a repository for information.
In particular, it allows users to check the apprentice's attendance in class, exchange documents, and complete questionnaires (installation reports, evaluation forms, reports, observations, etc.).
How can I justify my attendance in class?
The apprentice must comply with the attendance requirements established for each training course (clocking in or signing an attendance sheet).
To do so, they must scan their student card, issued by the FdS upon registration, using the card readers provided on campus.
Time clock layout (see image below)
Sign-in sheets, based on the CFA model, are also available to teaching teams in the following cases:
- If the clocking/badge device is out of order;
- If the apprentice attends classes at another training location that is not equipped with a time clock or outside the company in the event of a trip organized by the training program;
The attendance sheet, countersigned by the teacher, must be imported by the apprentice into their digital work-study logbook (STUDEA).
Map of badge machines on campus
Workshop on Business Research Strategies and Techniques
The CFA is organizing a workshop on strategies and techniques for finding companies
Prepare effective application tools to secure an apprenticeship contract.
Program:
– Reminder of the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship contract;
– How to organize your job search
– Presentation of the job market
– How and where to find information
– Tracking your job search
– Preparing application tools
– CV
– Cover letter
– Job interview
I scan my badge at
on campus to prove I'm here!
Click on the map (on the right) to see where the time clocks are located.
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Sémy, work-study student in CDPI
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