The rise of apprentices in higher education
Since 2005, the number of apprentices in France has more than doubled, largely thanks to the significant growth of apprenticeships in higher education. In 2020, more than 2,700 students and 2,190 companies made this win-win choice in our region. We look back at the reasons for this success with Philippe Pierrot and Marie-Elisabeth Avignon from CFA EnSup-LR.
"Experience required: 2 years." Many young graduates have had the bitter experience of seeing this small note at the bottom of a job offer. However, there is a solution: apprenticeships. In fact, almost all higher education courses are now available as apprenticeships. "Law, science, business, environment, technology, agri-food, management... More than 200 courses are offered as apprenticeships in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, " explains Philippe Pierrot, director of the CFA EnSup-LR. " And all degrees are eligible."
Launched more than 25 years ago, apprenticeships in higher education have grown by more than 100% over the last ten years. And the trend continues: "When the CFA was created in 2015, we had just under 1,100 apprentices. Today, we have more than 2,700," says Marie-Elisabeth Avignon, deputy director. Supported by the University of Montpellier, the CFA EnSup-LR brings together six entities:Paul-Valéry University, the Universities of Nîmes and Perpignan,the Institut Agro – Montpellier SupAgro,the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, and of course the UM. " The apprentices are located throughout the region, at 40 sites from Narbonne to Florac, including Nîmes, Perpignan, Mende, Carcassonne, Alès, Béziers, Sète, and of course Montpellier," explains Philippe Pierrot.
The double life of apprentices
Far removed from the outdated image of apprenticeships being reserved for young people who are not suited to academic study, apprenticeships in higher education require a high level of motivation from the students who choose them. "Those who embark on this path know that they will have to give much more than a traditional student. They will have the same courses, the same content, and the same exams as in initial training, while following theircareerpath in a company," explains the director. And this with a 95% graduation rate.
To enable them to lead this double life, teaching teams adapt to the specific characteristics and schedules of each activity. "In certain fields, such as accounting, for example, it is essential that apprentices are fully available at the end of the year when the accounts are being finalized," explains Marie-Elisabeth Avignon.
Apprenticeship status therefore requires maturity and discipline, but offers many advantages. In addition to providing a salary that allows those with limited means to access education, this program enables young people to gain additional skills beyond those offered by initial training. They also form a professional network that will facilitate their integration into the workforce. "Only 6% of apprentices have not found a job six months after graduating. Among those with bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as engineering school graduates, the integration rate is close to 100%," says Philippe Pierrot. Once in a position, they will also gain responsibility more quickly.
A win-win contract
In practical terms, the apprenticeship contract works exactly like an employment contract. It is signed by both parties, the apprentice and the company, and can last from six months to three years depending on the qualification being sought. "Apprentices have the same rights as any other employee in the company and the same benefits, such as health insurance and meal vouchers. The CFA supports them in finding an employer and in the administrative management of their contract," emphasizes Philippe Pierrot. A minimum wage is set by law, but the company can of course pay more. Finally, the company undertakes to supervise the student by appointing an apprenticeship supervisor.
Today, more than 2,190 employers collaborate with CFA EnSup-LR, representing companies of all types and sizes. While 60% of them are located in Occitanie, the CFA also works with companies in Ile-de-France, PACA, etc. Apprenticeships are not limited to the private sector; universities, tax offices, the postal service, and hospitals also recruit apprentices. "It's a very effective pre-recruitment system that gives companies access to new skills and, for some of them, skills they couldn't otherwise afford. It's a real win-win situation," says Marie-Elisabeth Avignon.
A driver of educational change
While setting up a work-study program requires a significant commitment on the part of the teaching teams, it also allows the program to evolve thanks to feedback from young people in companies. This evolution is supported by the 25 members of the CFA EnSup-LR team. " We are there to support the teaching teams during the implementation of the program, but also throughout its duration. We liaise with the company and advise them throughout the year," concludes Philippe Pierrot. A MOOC and webinars are also available on the CFA website. Enough to continue learning how to learn.