CFA EnSup-LR celebrates its 10th anniversary: a springboard to success for higher education students in Occitanie
Since its creation in 2015, the CFA de l'Enseignement Supérieur Languedoc-Roussillon – Sud de France (CFA EnSup-LR) has been working to ensure the success of work-study students in higher education. Driven by strong regional momentum, this off-site CFA brings together six partner institutions: the University of Montpellier, Paul-Valéry Montpellier University, the University of Nîmes, Perpignan Via Domitia University, the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, and the Institut Agro Montpellier. Each institution has its own apprenticeship training unit (UFA), which works in close coordination with the CFA EnSup-LR.
With 4,500 apprentices enrolled in more than 350 training programs, ranging from BUT (Bachelor of Applied Sciences) to engineering degrees, the CFA EnSup-LR plays a key role in helping young people enter the workforce. At the start of the 2024 academic year, 3,300 apprentices were enrolled in the 17 departments of the University of Montpellier, proof of the constant growth of this path to excellence.
"Work-study programs are the perfect combination: you gain professional experience while consolidating your theoretical knowledge at school. For me, there's nothing better!"
Charlotte, a student in mechanical engineering at the University Institute of Technology in Nîmes
Committed governance serving students
Every month, the CFA-UFA management committee meets to oversee day-to-day business. Three development councils meet throughout the year to approve accounts, new training programs, and major policy decisions. Once a year, a strategic policy council brings together the six partner institutions to define the guidelines for CFA EnSup-LR.
In addition to providing administrative support for 4,500 apprentices and their contracts, CFA EnSup-LR facilitates dialogue with 11 Opco (skills operators) to ensure the proper management of financial support files.
Practical and personal support
One of the strengths of CFA EnSup-LR lies in its tailored support. Thanks to a partnership with Crous, apprentices receive meal subsidies. The CFA also supports compulsory international mobility through Opco grants.
"I found my work-study program thanks to a job dating event organized by the CFA. This direct contact with the company is much more impactful than a simple email exchange."
Mélody, student in Marketing Techniques at the University Institute of Technology in Montpellier
Results that speak for themselves
The figures demonstrate the effectiveness of this system:
- 97.5% graduation rate
- 98% of apprentices recommend work-study programs
- 3,540 committed partner employers
"What struck me was the variety of tasks and the supportive supervision I found in my company. The work-study program allowed me to build my future in a concrete way."
Fatima-Zahra, Master's 1 in Health Engineering
A path to independence and integration
There are many advantages to work-study programs: remuneration, housing assistance, coverage of training costs, support for obtaining a driver's license, and company benefits (meal vouchers, gift certificates, team building, etc.).
"Thanks to the work-study program, I was able to get my driver's license for only €300, save up for my first car, and gain four years of experience in the space industry!"
Charlotte
For Tiffany, a master's student in sustainable development, work-study programs are a direct gateway to the professional world: "This type of training has allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-life situations and to base my final thesis on practical experience."
10 years of success and renewed ambition
The CFA EnSup-LR has established itself as a driver of equal opportunities, independence, and employability. By placing young people at the heart of its activities, it has spent the last 10 years building a solid bridge between university and business. Building on this decade of commitment, the CFA is now looking to the future, ready to take on new challenges alongside its students.
Are you a student and still unsure?
"Work-study programs are an opportunity to experience the reality of the workplace, become more professional, and gain maturity. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't hesitate for a second."
Tiffany
Events to support work-study programs
Work-study job dating
To facilitate recruitment and strengthen ties between training programs and companies, CFA EnSup-LR organizes work-study job dating events throughout the country in collaboration with its partner institutions. These events are designed to facilitate direct contact between candidates and employers.
Upcoming events not to be missed:
- IAE Montpellier – May 15, 2025
Employer registration - Nîmes University Institute of Technology – May 22, 2025
Employer registration
A seminar for training managers
On June 10, 2024, CFA EnSup-LR will hold its annual seminar for the educational managers of its partner UFAs. This is an important opportunity to promote exchanges, enrich practices, and jointly build the future of learning at the CFA for higher education.
The new school year starts on October 13!
The start date for apprentices is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025.
Please note: contracts may begin up to three months before or after the start date of the training program.
The STUDEA platform will open in early May.
Stay connected!
CFA EnSup-LR is very active on social media. Follow us to stay up to date with the latest news, work-study opportunities, upcoming events, and inspiring testimonials from our apprentices.