When learning rhymes with superior
Combining higher education with business experience: this is the winning combination for landing a job. A formula that has a name: apprenticeship. It's no secret: apprenticeships are a great way to get a job.
The key to this winning formula? An offering focused on the needs of businesses and geared toward sectors in high demand. From short courses to master's degrees, from generalist programs to engineering degrees, work-study programs are now available in a wide variety of fields.
The royal road to employment
This alternative to "traditional" training allows students to acquire both high-level theoretical skills and practical experience. Work-study programs are therefore an excellent way to establish contacts with a company. This is a real advantage for professional integration: 80% of students find a job at the end of their training.
Students also enjoy another advantage that should not be overlooked: under the apprenticeship contract, they receive remuneration of up to 78% of the minimum wage. They even have the luxury of preparing for their retirement while still at university, as their years of apprenticeship count as full years toward their pension.
Work-study programs at university: the winning choice
Are you a company employee and a college student? That's a winning combination. Long associated with short secondary education programs (CAP, BEP), work-study programs have now made their way into universities. "There is still a tendency to think that apprenticeships are for jobs that don't require a high school diploma, but there is strong demand from companies for apprentices with higher education degrees," notes Emmanuel Vignal, vice president for professional development at UM.
At university, apprenticeships now range from DUTs (university technical degrees) to engineering degrees. They offer career opportunities in sectors as varied as agronomy, hospitality, chemistry, and the cultural sector. If you choose a long course, the work-study master's degree is for you: a high-level university education... with the added bonus of experience.
Since January, the Higher Education Apprentice Training Center (CFA ENSUP-LR) has brought together all the players in higher education at the regional level. This unprecedented collaboration has earned the academic site a €2 million grant for future investments[i]. In addition to the construction of an administrative and educational center, around 100 housing units will soon be built to accommodate work-study students.
“The realities of business”
Alexandre, enrolled in a higher university degree in accounting and management and apprentice at an accounting firm:
“I chose this path to get a hands-on understanding of the realities of business. Between the classroom and the field, I realized there were some differences. I was also attracted by the financial benefits, 78% of the minimum wage in my case... Before, I had to work a student job on weekends, which left me very little time for myself. I am now coming to the end of my contract, but there is a chance that my employer will keep me on. Work-study programs require commitment and can be difficult at first, but for me it has been a very good experience."
More info
Members of the Higher Education Apprentice Training Center: University of Montpellier, Montpellier SupAgro, Paul Valéry Montpellier University, National School of Chemistry of Montpellier, University of Nîmes, University of Perpignan Via Domitia.
[i] The Region, CROUS, and the rectorate are contributing the remaining amount for a total of €7.7 million.