Work-Study Program (Alternance)

Work-study programs, an asset for businesses and young people...

Work-study is a training formula that combines theoretical and practical training in a company, supervised by an employment contract (apprenticeship or professionalization). It allows young people aged 16 to 29 to acquire initial professional experience while preparing for a diploma, with a rhythm of 2 days at school and 3 days in a company. Contracts last between 1 and 3 years, and work-study students receive a salary ranging from 27 % to 100 % of the minimum wage, depending on their age and level of education.

For the student, the training is completely free, with the costs being covered by the host company's Skills Operator (OpCo). For the company, the work-study program offers several advantages:

• Recruitment of motivated and trained profiles according to internal needs
• Cost reduction through state aid and social security exemptions,
• Retention of future employees
• Renewing teams with dynamic talents
• And an improvement in the employer image by engaging in the training of young people

To find out more about state aid linked to the work-study contract: https://www.alternance.emploi.gouv.fr/accueil
However, this approach requires appropriate organization: regular support, team involvement, and good administrative management to comply with legal obligations.

In short, although work-study involves an investment in time and resources, it represents a strategic opportunity for companies wishing to effectively train their future employees while benefiting from an advantageous framework.