Professional Training Contract
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 the acquisition of a state-recognized degree.
It is intended for students aged 16 to 25 to complete their initial training or for job seekers over the age of 26.
Eligible training programs
All national degrees offered by the Faculty of Sciences are eligible for the professional training contract.
Beneficiaries
- Young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who have completed 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 Disabled Adults (AAH)
- Individuals who have benefited from a subsidized employment contract (Single Integration Contract – CUI)
If you are over 26, 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 degree ( ) | A professional degree or diploma equivalent to or higher than a high school diploma or a higher education degree ( ) |
| Under 21 | 55% of the minimum wage | 65% of the minimum wage |
| 21 to 25 years of age | 70% of the minimum wage | 80% of the minimum wage |
| 26 and older | At least the federal minimum wage or 85% of the industry-specific minimum wage, whichever is higher | At least the federal minimum wage or 85% of the industry-specific minimum wage, whichever is higher |
Hiring Assistance
AFE (Flat-Rate Employer Subsidy) : This is a grant of up to €2,000 for a full-time employee under certain conditions (paid after 3 months and at the end of the contract).
Hiring assistance for job seekers aged 45 or older on a professional training contract:
This assistance can amount to up to €2,000 for a full-time position under certain conditions (can be combined with the AFE).
More details about these grants:
=> 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

