Summary
What are the different work-study opportunities?
Young people can benefit from 2 types of work-study contract:
The apprenticeship contract
This work-study employment contract is intended for:
- young people aged 16 to 25;
- 15-year-olds who have finished 3rd grade;
- young people under 30, if the contract follows another apprenticeship contract and allows them to obtain a higher qualification;
- young people under 30 if the contract follows an apprenticeship contract which has been interrupted for reasons beyond the control of the apprentice, such as the cessation of activity by the employer, for example.
In these last 2 cases, the apprenticeship contract must be signed less than 1 year before the end of the previous one.
Since December 27, 2008, there are no more age limit in the following 2 cases:
- for workers with disabilities;
- for people who plan to create or take over a business, and who need the diploma to carry out this project.
Note: with the system of initiation to work-study trades (DIMA), young people aged 15 at the time of entry into the system can follow a year of work-study training in a vocational high school or a CFA.
How long is it ?
The work-study employment contract has a fixed duration, which can range from 1 to 3 years.
Compensation
It is calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage up to the age of 20. Beyond that, if the amount of the conventional minimum wage is more favorable than the Smic, it is this wage which serves as the basis for the remuneration of the apprentice, in accordance with the DGEFP – DGT n° 2007-04 of January 24, 2007 “relating to the remuneration applicable to apprentices”.
Age | 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year |
16-17 years old | 25% of minimum wage | 37% of minimum wage | 53% of minimum wage |
18-20 years old | 41% of minimum wage | 49% of minimum wage | 65% of minimum wage |
21-25 years old | 53% of the Smic or the conventional minimum wage | 61% of the Smic or the conventional minimum wage | 78% of the Smic or the conventional minimum wage |
The distribution of training time during the work-study contract
The contract allows alternation between theoretical training (carried out in a CFA, work-study training center) and practical training in the company (1 week out of 2 for example, or 2 days in the company and 3 days at the training centre, etc.) .
The professionalization contract
This type of work-study contract is intended for:
- young people aged 16 to 25;
- job seekers aged 26 or over;
- people leaving a subsidized contract.
The professional qualification can be carried out in a CFA, or directly in the company.
How long is it ?
The professionalization contract can be a contract:
- fixed-term (from 6 to 12 months, with possibilities of extension up to 24 months);
- or indefinite: the professionalization is then done at the beginning of the contract.
Compensation
Age | Holders of a diploma below the baccalaureate | Holders of a diploma equivalent to the professional baccalaureate |
under 21 | 55% of minimum wage | 65% of minimum wage |
from 21 to 26 years old | 70% of minimum wage | 80% of minimum wage |
over 26 years old | 100% of the Smic, or 85% of the salary provided for the job concerned | 100% of the Smic, or 85% of the salary provided for the job concerned |
(In accordance with Circular DGEFP n2007-21 of July 23, 2007, relating to the implementation of the professionalization contract)
The organization of the training
The professionalization action must represent between 15 and 25% of the total duration of the training, that is to say a minimum of 150 hours.
Where to go?
For information on the various work-study opportunities, contact:
- the regional directorates for business, competition, consumption, labor and employment (Direccte);
- at the employment center;
- to the joint approved collecting body (OPCA);
- at the local Mission or the Reception, Information and Guidance Office (PAIO).
Note: if you are looking for a work-study job, consider temporary employment companies. They can also hire young people as part of work-linked training.