Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a work-study program that combines academic study with on-the-job training, allowing students to earn a degree while working for a company. Popular with both young people and employers, the apprenticeship has become a winning combination for earning a degree up to the master’s level. It is also a way to quickly enter the workforce through a first skilled job.

Throughout the year, the apprentice alternates between periods of study at the university and periods of work at the company, according to a schedule established at the outset by the training center and the company. The apprentice is paid based on their age and year of study and is eligible for various forms of financial assistance.

This program is available to individuals under the age of 30 as of the date the contract is signed.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow students to gain their first professional experience and explore their chosen career path before completing their education. More than just an internship, an apprenticeship is considered a full-fledged job and offers a complete immersion in the company’s daily operations. It is also an opportunity to expand one’s professional network.

Having 1 or 3 years of professional experience by the time you finish your training is also a real asset when it comes to catching the eye of future employers. And it’s not uncommon for companies to hire their apprentices once their apprenticeship contracts end.

What apprenticeship programs are available?

All levels of higher education degrees are now available through apprenticeships: BUT, Professional Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, National Diploma, and Engineering Degree.

AtUM, more than 250 degree programs are already available through the apprenticeship program, and new programs are added every year. To find a program in your field of interest, check outUM list of apprenticeship programs.

What is its status and what are its responsibilities?

University apprentices have dual status as both students and employees. They perform two roles simultaneously, alternating between periods of study at the university and work at the company, with the duration of each period ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the educational requirements of the program and the company’s needs.

His workplace assignments are approved by the teaching staff to ensure that they are relevant to the course. This allows him to directly apply the theoretical concepts covered in class to real-world situations he encounters on the job.

What is the pay and benefits like?

An apprentice is an employee of the company with which they have an apprenticeship contract. They are covered by labor laws applicable to employees and receive a minimum wage, calculated based on their age and length of service. Years spent in an apprenticeship count as full years toward retirement.

The student apprentice is exempt from:

• registration fees (these are covered by the CFA);
• student Social Security contributions (he is covered by Social Security as an employee).

He is entitled to:

• a pre-employment medical exam as an employee;
• additional financial assistance—upon request (assistance with driver’s licenses, transportation, housing, etc.);
• the same rights as the company’s employees.

On the other hand:

• Apprentices are not exempt from the CVEC (Student and Campus Life Fee): €95.
• The payment of need-based grants is suspended during the apprenticeship contract.

For more information, please visit the " Apprenticeship Contract" section on the service.public.fr website.