Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a work-study training program that combines academic study with practical experience in a company, allowing students to prepare for a degree while being employed by a company. Popular with both young people and employers, apprenticeships have become a winning combination for obtaining a degree up to master's level. They are also a way to quickly enter the workforce through a first skilled job.

Throughout the year, apprentices alternate between periods of study at university and periods of work at a company, according to a schedule defined at the outset by the training center and the company. They are paid according to their age and year of study and are eligible for various forms of financial assistance.

This scheme is available to young people under the age of 30 on the date the contract is signed.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship training allows students to gain initial professional experience and discover their chosen career before completing their education. More than just an internship, an apprenticeship is considered a real job and allows for total immersion in the life of the company. It is also an opportunity to expand one's network.

Having one to three years of professional experience at the end of your training is also a real asset in getting noticed by future employers. And it is not uncommon for companies to hire their apprentices at the end of their apprenticeship contract.

What apprenticeship qualifications are available?

All levels of higher education degrees are now accessible through apprenticeships: BUT (Bachelor's Degree in Applied Sciences), Licence Pro (Professional Bachelor's Degree), Licence (Bachelor's Degree), Master's Degree, Diplôme National (National Diploma), Diplôme d'Ingénieur (Engineering Degree).

At UM, more than 250 training courses are already open to apprenticeships, and new courses are added every year. To find a course in your field of interest, consult UM's apprenticeship training offerings.

What status and what responsibilities?

University apprentices have dual status as students and employees. They perform two activities at the same time, alternating between periods of training at university and work at a company, at a pace that can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the educational requirements of the training program and the needs of the company.

His assignments at the company are approved by the teaching team to ensure that they are relevant to the training program. This allows him to directly apply the theoretical concepts learned in class to real-life situations encountered in the field.

What compensation, what benefits?

The apprentice is an employee of the company to which he or she is bound by an apprenticeship contract. He or she benefits from the social legislation applicable to employees and a minimum wage, calculated according to his or her age and seniority. The years of apprenticeship count as full years for retirement purposes.

Student apprentices are exempt from:

• registration fees (these are paid by the CFA);
• student social security contributions (depending on social security as an employee).

He benefits from:

• a medical examination upon hiring as an employee;
• additional financial assistance – upon request (assistance with driver's license, transportation, housing, etc.);
• the same rights as the company's employees.

On the other hand:

• Apprentices are not exempt from the CVEC (Contribution to Student Life and Campus): €95.
• The payment of social criteria-based scholarships is suspended during the apprenticeship contract.

For more information, please see the section on apprenticeship contracts on the service.public.fr website.