The CFA EnSup-LR Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary: A Springboard to Success for Higher Education Students in Occitanie
Since its creation in 2015, the Languedoc-Roussillon – Sud de France Higher Education CFA (CFA EnSup-LR) has been working to ensure the success of students in work-study programs in higher education. Driven by strong regional momentum, this decentralized CFA brings together six partner institutions: the University of Montpellier, Paul-Valéry University of Montpellier, the University of Nîmes, Perpignan Via Domitia University, the National School of Chemistry of 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 the BUT 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 across the 17 departments of the University of Montpellier, a testament to the steady growth of this path to excellence.
“A work-study program is the perfect combination: you gain professional experience while reinforcing your theoretical knowledge in school. For me, there’s nothing better!”
Charlotte, a student in the Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering program at the IUT in Nîmes
A Student-Centered Approach to Governance
Each month, the CFA-UFA Executive Committee meets to oversee day-to-day operations. Three Development Councils are held throughout the year to approve the financial statements, new training programs, and major policy directions. Once a year, a Strategic Steering Council brings together the six partner institutions 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 communication with the 11 Opcos (skills development organizations) to ensure the proper management of financial assistance applications.
Practical and compassionate support
One of the strengths of the CFA EnSup-LR is its personalized support. Through a partnership with the Crous, apprentices receive meal assistance. The CFA also supports mandatory international mobility programs through Opco grants.
“I found my work-study program through a job fair organized by the CFA. This direct contact with the company is much more effective than just exchanging emails.”
Mélody, a student in the Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Techniques program at the Montpellier University Institute of Technology (IUT)
Results that speak for themselves
The figures demonstrate the effectiveness of this program:
- 97.5% graduation rate
- 98% of apprentices recommend work-study programs
- 3,540 committed partner employers
“What really stood out to me was the variety of assignments and the supportive guidance I received at my company. The work-study program allowed me to take concrete steps toward building my future.”
Fatima-Zahra, a first-year master's student in health engineering
A Path to Independence and Social Integration
There are many benefits to a work-study program: pay, housing assistance, coverage of training costs, support for obtaining a driver’s license, and company perks (meal vouchers, gift cards, team-building activities, etc.).
"Thanks to the work-study program, I was able to get my driver's license for just 300 euros, 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, the work-study program is a direct bridge to the professional world: “This type of training has allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world situations and to ground my final thesis in hands-on experience.”
10 Years of Success and a Renewed Ambition
The CFA EnSup-LR has established itself as a driving force for equal opportunity, independence, and employability. By placing young people at the heart of its mission, it has spent the past 10 years building a solid bridge between the university and the business world. 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 on the fence?
“A work-study program is an opportunity to experience the realities of the workplace, develop professional skills, and gain maturity. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.”
Tiffany
Events to Support Work-Study Programs
Jobs, Dating, and Work-Study Programs
To facilitate recruitment and strengthen ties between educational institutions and businesses, the CFA EnSup-LR, in collaboration with its partner institutions, organizes work-study job fairs throughout the region. These events are designed to facilitate direct interaction between candidates and employers.
Upcoming events you won't want to miss:
- IAE Montpellier – May 15, 2025
Employer Registration - Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) – May 22, 2025
Employer Registration
A seminar for training managers
On June 10, 2024, the CFA EnSup-LR will hold its annual seminar for the educational leaders of its partner UFAs. This is a key event designed to foster dialogue, enrich best practices, and collaboratively shape the future of apprenticeship training at the CFA for higher education.
The new school year starts on October 13!
The first day of the academic year for apprentices is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025.
Please note: Contracts may begin up to three months before or after the training start date.
The STUDEA platform will open in early May.
Stay tuned!
The CFA EnSup-LR is very active on social media—follow us to stay up to date on the latest news, work-study opportunities, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from our apprentices.