The apprenticeship contract
What is an apprenticeship contract?
The apprenticeship contract is an employment contract that combines practical training within a company with theoretical teaching at the school. It entitles the apprentice to the same rights as the company's other employees. The aim is to obtain a qualification listed on the RNCP (the French national register of professional certifications) and therefore recognised by the State.
How long does an apprenticeship contract last?
It is a fixed-term contract lasting from 6 to 24 months (which may be extended in certain specific cases). The length of the training is set by an agreement between the CFA (AMOS), the employer and the apprentice, and may be equal to or shorter than the full study cycle depending on the apprentice's initial level of skill. The work-study rhythm varies according to the programme chosen, for example: 3 days at school and 2 days in the company.
Who is eligible?
Young people aged 16 to 29 inclusive (up to the day before their 30th birthday).
There is no upper age limit for apprentices recognised as disabled workers, elite athletes, or apprentices planning to start or take over a business.
How much is the pay?
Apprentices receive a minimum salary corresponding to a percentage of the French minimum wage (SMIC), based on their age and the number of years of apprenticeship completed, ranging from 27% to 100% of the SMIC. These amounts may be higher where a collective agreement applies within the company (SMC). As an employee, the apprentice is entitled to 5 weeks of paid leave a year, plus 5 additional days of leave to prepare for the final examinations (to be taken in the month before the exams).
Who funds the training?
Training costs are covered in part or in full by the OPCO (the skills funding body) to which the company belongs. The level of funding depends on the length of the contract and on the professional sector the host organisation belongs to.
From 8 March 2026
Companies will be able to claim a recruitment grant under the conditions set out below:
- Companies with fewer than 250 employees: €2,000 for qualifications from Bac +3 to Bac +5 (RNCP Levels 6 and 7)
- Companies with more than 250 employees: €750 for qualifications from Bac +3 to Bac +5 (RNCP Levels 6 and 7)
- For all types of company: up to €6,000 for recruiting an apprentice with RQTH status (official recognition as a disabled worker)
This grant applies only to the first year of the contract and is paid monthly by the ASP (the French services and payment agency).
A decree setting out how the scheme is applied was published on 6 March 2026.
The professionalisation contract
What is a professionalisation contract?
The professionalisation contract is an employment contract that combines practical training within a company with theoretical teaching at the school. It entitles the trainee to the same rights as the company's other employees. A professionalisation contract cannot be entered into with the State, local authorities or public administrative bodies.
How long does a professionalisation contract last?
It is a fixed-term contract lasting from 6 to 36 months (which may be extended in certain specific cases). The length of the training is set by an agreement between the CFA (AMOS), the employer and the trainee, and may be equal to or shorter than the full study cycle depending on the trainee's initial level of skill. The work-study rhythm varies according to the programme chosen, for example: 3 days at school and 2 days in the company.
Who is eligible?
Young people aged 16 to 25 inclusive (up to the day before their 26th birthday).
Jobseekers aged 26 and over.
Recipients of income support benefits (RSA, ASS, AAH)
How much is the pay?
The apprentice receives a minimum remuneration corresponding to a percentage of the minimum wage based on their age and the number of years of apprenticeship, which is between 55% and 100% of the minimum wage. These amounts may be increased if a collective agreement is applied in the company (SMC). As an employee, the apprentice can benefit from 5 weeks of paid leave per year and 5 additional days of leave for preparing for final exams (to be taken in the month preceding the tests).
Who funds the training?
Training costs are covered in part or in full by the OPCO (the skills funding body) to which the company belongs. The level of funding depends on the length of the contract and on the professional sector the host organisation belongs to.
The alternating internship
What is an alternating internship?
This is an internship agreement signed by the company, the student and the school. The internship can be split into blocks and alternated with periods of classes. It is not covered by the company's collective agreement. The intern keeps student status and receives an allowance for any internship lasting more than 2 actual months.
How long does an alternating internship last?
The maximum length is 6 full-time months per academic year with the same employer.
Who is eligible?
Any student enrolled on a programme that gives them student status.
How much is the allowance?
The allowance is compulsory for any internship lasting more than two months. Paid at a minimum hourly rate of €4.50, it is a net amount: no social security contributions apply and it is not taxable.
Who funds the training?
Annual tuition fees are payable by the student. The company may, however, choose to cover part or all of these fees.
The part-time fixed-term contract (CDD)
What is a part-time fixed-term contract?
A fixed-term contract can be requested by either the employee or the employer, and its length is agreed when the contract is signed. Part-time working means a contract under which the total hours worked by the employee are lower than the statutory hours of a full-time contract. The student signs an employment contract that entitles them to the same rights as a company's other employees.
How long does a part-time fixed-term contract last?
This is a fixed-term contract agreed between the employer and the employee, covering between 24 and 34 hours a week. Possible weekly patterns: half-days every day, or full days off during the week.
Who is eligible?
Employees aged 16 and over.
How much is the pay ?
The employee is paid on the basis of an hourly rate.
Who funds the training?
Annual tuition fees are payable by the employee. However, depending on the arrangements agreed with the company, the employer may choose to cover part or all of the fees.
The part-time permanent contract (CDI)
What is a part-time permanent contract?
A permanent contract can be requested by either the employee or the employer and runs for an indefinite period from the moment it is signed. Part-time working means a contract under which the total hours worked by the employee are lower than the statutory hours of a full-time contract. The student signs an employment contract that entitles them to the same rights as a company's other employees.
How long does a part-time permanent contract last?
This is an open-ended contract agreed between the employer and the employee, covering between 24 and 34 hours a week. Possible weekly patterns: half-days every day, or full days off during the week.
Who is eligible?
Employees aged 16 and over.
How much is the pay ?
The employee is paid on the basis of an hourly rate.
Who funds the training?
Annual tuition fees are payable by the employee. However, depending on the arrangements agreed with the company, the employer may choose to cover part or all of these fees.