Section actions
Duration: Job search — 1 to 6 months; contract — from 6 months to 3 years
Cost: Free (company-funded training and OPCO); salary paid to apprentices
Possible online
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if you have 16–29 years and want a degree while working
- You if you are a foreigner (outside the EU) and look for a way through learning
- You if you hesitate between learning and professionalisation (alternative)
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- The latest diploma or school certificate
- A training project (CFA/school) and the agreement of an employer
- For non-EU citizens: residence permit with right to work or authorisation
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Find a CFA (Apprenticeship Training Centre) or a school offering the relevant apprenticeship degree. Apply for training.
- 2Find an employer (learning teacher). Go through France Travail, specialized sites (Student, Studyrama), or directly to companies. Without an employer, no contract.
- 3Sign the apprenticeship contract (CERFA) with the employer and the CFA. Duration: from 6 months to 3 years, often 1 to 2 years. It includes salary, schedule, training.
- 4The apprentice's salary depends on age and year: minimum 27% of SMIC for 18–20 years in 1re year, up to 100% of SMIC for 21–26 years in 3rd year. Refer to the Service-Public scale.
- 5Time use: alternation between CFA and company, often 50/50 or per week. Duration of work and apprenticeship leave are specific (5 additional days to prepare exams).
- 6For non-EUs: work authorisation is required, usually included in the apprenticeship contract registered by the employer. Student status can be changed into an apprentice by changing status.
- 7At the end, you get a diploma and often a proposal for sustainable employment in the same company. Apprenticeship is also entitled to the APL, student card and other aids.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Confounding apprenticeship (diploma, 16–29) and professionalization (adults, qualification).
- Accepting a salary lower than the scale — infringement.
- Do not check non-EU status before signature — refusal of authorisation possible.
- Ignore apprenticeship rights (duration of work, leave, CFA follow-up).
- To believe that the apprentice is not entitled to unemployment then — the ARE is possible with enough contributions.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The conditions for learning (age, salary, non-EU status) are changing. This information is indicative — for your situation, see the CFA, France Travail or the Local Mission.
Did this guide help you?
Thank you! Signal transmitted anonymously if the statistics are enabled.
Have you noticed a mistake?
The message opens in your email with the page, address and context. Vitalpes does not store the report on the site.
