Summary
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Who can benefit ?
People who can benefit from it:
Between 16 and 25 years old : 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.
Aged at most 30 years :
- if the apprenticeship contract succeeds another contract, and allows the young person concerned to obtain a higher qualification;
- if the previous apprenticeship contract was interrupted for reasons beyond the control of the apprentice (cessation of activity by the employer, for example).
No age limit :
- 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.
What does the training consist of?
It’s about a dual training :
- a practical training provided by the employer according to a program agreed with the training centre;
- a general education in an approved apprenticeship training center, or in an apprenticeship training unit, a public or private educational establishment under contract, or a training and research establishment, within an apprenticeship section. This training must be associated with technological, theoretical and practical training which must supplement the training received in the company.
At the end of the apprenticeship, the young person must take an exam (for which he is entitled to examination leave).
training duration
It varies from 1 to 3 years.
This duration is fixed according to the type of training and the diploma prepared, but also according to the initial level of skills of the apprentice. It is now possible to prepare for many diplomas through work-study programs (particularly that of apprenticeship), including engineering diplomas.
A disabled apprentice can have his contract extended for one year when his state of health requires it.
The duration can be 6 months or one year only in certain cases:
- if the apprentice passes a diploma of a lower level or equal to the one he already has;
- if the apprentice has obtained part of the diploma through the validation of professional experience.
An apprentice can thus, for example, obtain the conclusion of a one-year contract with a view to obtaining a diploma, the preparation of which requires, in principle, 2 years (but in this case, his remuneration will be that planned for the 2nd year, because it is considered that it “skips” the 1st year).
Note: you can take out successive apprenticeship contracts to prepare diplomas sanctioning different qualifications. The remuneration of the 2nd contract must be at least equal to that which the apprentice received during the last year of the 1st contract.
What should be done ?
Find an employer
The apprenticeship contract must begin at the earliest 3 months before the courses in the CFA (training center for apprentices) and at the latest 2 months afterwards.
To find an employer, it is advisable to contact:
- companies in the sector;
- chambers of trade and chambers of commerce and industry (CCI);
- professional unions;
- CFA;
- the employment center;
- local missions for the integration of young people;
- the permanent reception, information and orientation (PAIO).
Provide a medical certificate of fitness
Enroll in a CFA
Since the law of July 28, 2011, people who have not found employers at the start of the school year will however be able to start training (depending on the places available in the CFA) while doing internships in companies for a maximum of one year.
The employer must, within 5 working days of hiring, send 3 copies of the employment contract on which appears the visa of the director of the CFA to one of the following organizations:
- the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (for companies listed in the trades directory);
- the Chamber of Agriculture (for agricultural professions, see Law No. 2009-879 of July 21, 2009);
- the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (for companies registered in the Trade and Companies Register).
How is the apprentice paid?
The minimum wage received by the apprentice corresponds to a percentage of the SMIC ranging from 25% to 78% depending on his age and his progress in the training cycle. Collective conventions or agreements for branches or companies may set higher minimum salaries. The employer can contractually fix a remuneration that is more favorable to the apprentice.
When the apprentice turns 18 or 21 during the year, his remuneration is increased on the 1st day of the month following his birthday.
Apprentices in the Paris region are entitled, like other employees, to reimbursement of part of the cost of transport between home and work.
The regional council also offers aid to apprentices for meals, accommodation and transport.
Note: a fraction of the salary is exempt from income tax.
Working conditions
They are identical to those of other workers : application of the collective agreement, paid holidays… Overtime is authorized within a limit of 5 hours per week, after the authorization of the labor inspector and the opinion of a doctor.
Young people under the age of 18 are subject to the laws concerning minors (no night work, for example). Certain sectors benefit from special exemptions (bakery, pastry, shows, etc.).
It is forbidden to work on public holidays and Sundays (unless there is an exemption concerning certain sectors of activity, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes).
Breach of contract
The contract can be terminated during the 2-month trial period following the signing of the contract; after this period, termination is only possible:
- if the employer and the employee agree;
- if the apprentice obtains the prepared diploma (he must inform his employer 2 months before);
- or following a decision by the industrial tribunal (in the event of serious misconduct, repeated failure by one of the parties to fulfill their obligations, professional unfitness, etc.).
Our tips:
Throughout the duration of the contract, the apprentice benefits from all social security benefits. If at the end of the contract, the employer definitely hires the apprentice, the period of the apprenticeship must be taken into account for the calculation of seniority. Apprenticeship is now extended to the public sector.