Apprenticeship from the apprentice's perspective
What are the requirements for becoming an apprentice?
Be admitted to the program
Admission to the program is a prerequisite for participating in an apprenticeship. Please indicate your intention to become an apprentice when you apply.
Maximum age
To become an apprentice, you must be under 30 years of age (30 years minus one day) on the date the apprenticeship contract begins.
There are, however, exceptions where the apprentice may be over 30 years old:
- Apprentice recognized as a worker with a disability who holds an RQTH certification
- An apprentice planning to start or take over a business that requires a degree
- Apprentice registered as a high-level athlete
Non-EU foreign nationals must provide a residence permit authorizing them to work in France (as an employee).
Who can help you with this process?
There are various services available to help you:
- The Apprenticeship Training Center (CFA EnSup LR) is the primary provider of apprenticeship programs at the University of Montpellier. From the moment you are admitted to the program, it will guide you through the process until your contract is signed and will handle all administrative follow-up throughout the duration of your training.
- The University’s Joint Service for Information, Career Guidance, and Professional Integration (SCUIO-IP) can help you clarify your career goals and provide guidance—or help you explore new career paths.
- Most departments at the University offer a dedicated apprenticeship service. You can find out about the apprenticeship programs available and the steps you need to take to become an apprentice.
How do I find a host company?
Finding a company is a crucial step in the process of becoming an apprentice. It is advisable to start your search early to develop and solidify your apprenticeship plan.
Generally speaking, it is preferable for candidates to find their own host company. However, the CFA EnSup-LR, in collaboration with each academic advisor, can offer guidance or assistance with this process once you have been admitted to the program.
Most degree programs only accept apprenticeship students in their final year or years (e.g., M2, BUT 2–3). If you are currently in your first year, feel free to contact your academic advisor to discuss completing your degree through an apprenticeship.
What are the steps to follow?
Don’t wait until the last minute; start the process 6 to 12 months before the program begins. First, clarify your career goals and find out about the specific eligibility requirements for apprenticeship programs.
Application Materials and Admission to the Program
Starting in the 2021 school year, the process will be fully digital. Candidates selected by the teaching staff will receive a link to register on the CFA portal. Once registration is complete, the employer will also receive a link to enter the information online via the employer portal.
To help you with the application process, the CFA ENSUPLR has created an explanatory video for prospective apprentices.
In some training programs—which are delivered entirely through apprenticeships—signing an employment contract may also be a prerequisite for enrollment.
Signing of the contract
An apprenticeship contract is an employment contract that requires the company and the apprentice to agree on the terms of employment and working conditions.
Once the employer has entered the information online and specified the tasks to be assigned to the apprentice, the training coordinator is responsible for approving the tasks.
The apprenticeship contract may be signed no earlier than three months before the start of the training program and no later than three months after it begins. It includes a probationary period of 45 days, which may be consecutive or non-consecutive, starting on the first day of employment.
For more information, please visit the "Apprenticeship Contract" section on the service.public.fr website.
