The apprenticeship contract
The definition
The labor code (article L 6221-1) defines the apprenticeship contract as an employment contract between an apprentice, an employer and an apprentice training center (CFA).
The apprenticeship contract is in principle intended for young people aged 16 to 25.
Its objective is to obtain a title approved by the National Education (CAP, BEP, BAC PRO, etc.)
The engagements
The commitments are multiple:
- the employer agrees to pay the apprentice and train him;
- the training center undertakes to train the apprentice;
- the apprentice undertakes to work for the employer and to follow the training at the CFA.
The conditions for the employer
The employer must:
- be approved (declaration from the Ministry of Labor and Employment);
- have a minimum professional experience (3 years);
- provide evidence of sufficient equipment to train the apprentice;
- provide proof of a diploma at least equivalent to the level targeted by the apprentice.
The work contract
This particular type of contract follows certain rules:
- it must be drawn up in 3 copies (apprentice, company, CFA);
- its duration is at least identical to the training cycle;
- the duration can be extended if the apprentice is recognized as disabled;
- the trial period is 2 months.
Work conditions
The apprentice’s schedules are those of the company.
If the apprentice is a minor, the daily duration is a maximum of 7 hours and the weekly duration of 35 hours.
Base salary
It depends on the age of the apprentice and the situation in the study cycle.
It is expressed as a percentage of the SMIC.
% minimum wage | 16 to 17 years old | 18 to 20 years old | 21 and over |
1st year | 25% | 41% | 53% |
2nd year | 37% | 49% | 61% |
3rd year | 53% | 65% | 78% |
The apprentice does not have to pay any contributions.
The professionalization contract
Definition of the professionalization contract
The professionalization contract is a work-study contract. It is part of continuing education.
It is intended for employees under the age of 26 in order to complete initial training but also for jobseekers 26 years and over.
It allows obtaining a title approved by the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
The training organization can be a Greta, an AFPA center, etc.
The work contract
It can be in the form of a CDD contract :
- for a minimum period of between 6 and 12 months;
- the duration can be extended to 24 months, in particular for people benefiting from a social minimum such as RSA or AAH;
- possible renewal if examination failure or illness;
In the form of a CDI contract :
- we will speak of a professionalization action of 6 to 12 months minimum;
- who can be part-time;
In all cases, the contract must be filed with DIRECCTE.
Training
The minimum duration of the training is between 15%, without being less than 150 hours, and 25% of the total duration of the CDD or the professionalization period of the CDI.
Base salary
Employee’s age | Starting qualification below Tier IV | Starting qualification at least level IV |
Under 21 | 55% minimum wage | 65% minimum wage |
Between 21 and 25 years old | 70% minimum wage | 80% minimum wage |
At least 26 years old | Minimum SMIC or 85% conventional salary |