CFA EnSup-LR celebrates its 10th anniversary: a springboard to success for higher education students in Occitania
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 a strong regional dynamic, this off-site CFA brings together six partner establishments: the University of Montpellier, Paul-Valéry University Montpellier, the University of Nîmes, the University of Perpignan Via Domitia, the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier and the Institut Agro Montpellier. Each establishment has its own apprenticeship training unit (UFA), closely coordinated with the CFA EnSup-LR.
With 4,500 apprentices on more than 350 courses, from BUT to engineering degrees, the CFA EnSup-LR plays a key role in the professional integration of young people. At the start of the 2024 academic year, 3,300 apprentices were enrolled in the 17 components of the University of Montpellier, proof of the steady growth of this path of excellence.
"Work-study is the perfect combo: you gain professional experience while consolidating your theoretical knowledge at school. For me, there's nothing better!"
Charlotte, Mechanical Engineering student at IUT Nîmes
Governance committed to serving students
Every month, the CFA-UFA Management Committee meets to manage day-to-day business. Three Development Councils are held throughout the year to approve accounts, new training courses and major orientations. Once a year, a strategic orientation council brings together the six partner establishments to define the guidelines for the CFA EnSup-LR.
In addition to providing administrative support for the 4,500 apprentices and their contracts, the CFA EnSup-LR facilitates dialogue with the 11 Opco (skills operators) to ensure smooth management of financial support applications.
Practical, human support
One of the strengths of the CFA EnSup-LR lies in its tailor-made support. Thanks to a partnership with the Crous, apprentices benefit from catering assistance. The CFA also supports compulsory international mobility through Opco grants.
"I found my work-study placement thanks to a job dating organized by the CFA. This direct contact with the company is much more effective than a simple e-mail exchange".
Mélody, a student in the Marketing Techniques program at the IUT in Montpellier
Results that speak for themselves
The figures testify to the effectiveness of this system:
- 97.5% graduation rate
- 98% of apprentices recommend sandwich courses
- 3,540 committed employer partners
"What really stood out for me was the wide range of assignments and the supportive environment I found in my company. The work-study program enabled me to build my future in concrete terms".
Fatima-Zahra, Master 1 in health engineering
A path to autonomy and integration
There are many advantages to a work-study program: remuneration, housing subsidies, payment of training costs, assistance with driving license and company benefits (luncheon vouchers, gift vouchers, team building, etc.).
"Thanks to the work-study scheme, I was able to get my driving license for just 300 euros, save up for my first car, while gaining four years' experience in the space sector!"
Charlotte
For Tiffany, a student in the Master 2 program in sustainable development, the work-study program is a direct gateway to the professional world: "This type of training has enabled me to apply my knowledge in real-life situations, and to anchor my final dissertation in field experience".
10 years of success and renewed ambition
The CFA EnSup-LR has established itself as a lever for equal opportunity, autonomy and employability. By placing young people at the heart of its activities, the CFA has been building a solid bridge between university and business for the past 10 years. 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 still hesitating?
"A work-study program is a chance to experience the realities of the field, to become more professional and to gain in maturity. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.
Tiffany
Events to support work-study schemes
Alternance job-dating
To facilitate recruitment and strengthen links between training courses and companies, the CFA EnSup-LR, in collaboration with its partner establishments, organizes work-study job-dating events throughout France. These meetings are designed to encourage direct encounters between candidates and employers.
Upcoming events not to be missed:
- IAE de Montpellier - May 15, 2025
Employer registration - IUT de Nîmes - May 22, 2025
Employer registration
A seminar for training managers
On June 10, 2024, the CFA EnSup-LR is organizing its annual seminar for the educational managers of its partner UFAs. This is a key event to encourage exchanges, enrich practices and co-construct the future of apprenticeship at the CFA of higher education.
Back to school on October 13!
The start of the apprenticeship is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025.
Please note: contracts can begin up to three months before or after the start date of the training course.
The STUDEA platform will open in early May.
Stay connected!
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