Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a work-study program that combines academic study with on-the-job training, allowing students to work toward a degree while being employed by a company. Highly popular with both young people and employers, the apprenticeship program 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 age and year of study and is eligible for various forms of financial assistance.

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

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship program allows 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 provides total immersion in the company’s daily operations. It’s also an opportunity to expand one’s professional network.

Having 1 or 3 years of professional experience by the time you complete your training is also a real asset when it comes to catching the attention 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, Licence Pro, Licence, Master’s, Diplôme National, and Diplôme d’Ingénieur.

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?

A university apprentice has dual status as both a student and an employee. They perform two roles simultaneously and alternate between periods of training at the university and work at a company, at intervals that can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the educational requirements of the program and the company’s needs.

His work assignments are approved by the teaching staff to ensure that they are relevant to the program. 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 what are the benefits?

An apprentice is an employee of the company with which he or she has an apprenticeship contract. He or she is covered by labor laws applicable to employees and receives a minimum wage calculated based on age and length of service. The years spent as an apprentice count as full years toward retirement.

The student apprentice is exempt from:

• registration fees (these are paid 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€.
• Payments of need-based scholarships are suspended during the apprenticeship contract.

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