The work-study contract combines theory in a training center and practice in a company. It allows the student to immerse himself in the life of a company and to acquire professional experience. The work-study program involves several steps that are spread out over the year. À When can you start a work-study contract? This detailed schedule will allow you to arrange your program and avoid the rush to contract at the last minute.
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January: find out about work-study programs
Following a work-study program requires a good organization. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to be informed. First of all, find out what work-study programs are and what conditions must be met. Then, look for the different schools in your area. INSEEC has several campuses in France. Sort out the options available to you, depending on the job you want to do.
If you don’t have a clear idea of the job you want, you can choose based on your motivations. Are you a sociable person who wants to be in contact with the public? Do you want to work in an office or be on the move? Do you like to work alone or do you prefer to work in a team? In order to succeed in the work-study program, it is necessary to know the field of activity in which you wish to work.
February-March: attend open houses and forums on work-study contracts
From the end of January to March, many career fairs are organized. Through these events, you can not only find the right specialized school for you, but also your future employer. Indeed, it is possible to apply on the spot. There are many places for this purpose. You will have the chance to apply for several offers. This will save you the hassle of going back and forth to companies.
In addition, most companies prepare their recruitments in advance.
You also need time to choose your school and think about what you want to do. To do this, you need to weigh the pros and cons of the offers. You must take into account several criteria, including: opportunities, costs, pace of work, location. There are two types of work-study programs : the apprenticeship contract and the professionalization contract. You must therefore remain attentive to the news of the various establishments. Some institutions also offer coaching. At INSEEC, we offer you a personalized follow-up.
April: prepare work-study applications
Once you have decided, it is time to submit your application to the training centers. Here, there are two preparations to be made: the employer file and the application file for the school. They should be prepared in parallel so that you are not caught short. It is advisable not to wait for the CFA’s answer to look for employers. You can take the lead by applying in forums or online.
May: prepare for the work-study admission
Several months before the beginning of the training, the invitations for interviews and tests begin. In order to be able to look for a company with peace of mind, we advise students to have finalized their admissions to the school before the end of May. In this way, those who have not yet found a company to take them on, have several months to benefit from the school’s help in their search.
In general, admission is finalized in June if you have found a host company. Once you have successfully completed the company tests, it is time to sign the employment contract . Once this step is completed, you can finalize your registration in your training center by providing the promise of employment.
Summer: starting your period in a company?
It is possible, depending on the volume of training hours associated with your course (25% minimum of training hours in the contract), to start your apprenticeship contract up to 3 months before the start date of your program. This flexibility must be confirmed by our corporate relations department before any contract is signed.
September – October: start work-study programs
Training often begins in September or early October. The pace of training depends on the courses themselves. It can be for example 3 days in the company and 2 days in school or 3 weeks in the company / 1 week in school. The schedules in the companies respect the work code. The work contracts are signed between the companies, the training center and the student. This contract will contain the terms and conditions to be followed during the work-study program.
After school starts: is it still possible to find a work-study contract?
For those students who were not lucky enough to get a work contract in time, or who did not have time, there is a deadline.
Your apprenticeship contract may begin after the start of your training under certain conditions:
- Be present at the start of the school year;
- To carry out an apprenticeship contract of at least 6 months;
- Have 25% training time within your apprenticeship contract.
After this period, without a successful contract, you will no longer be able to continue your training under the work-study system.
You then have the possibility of doing the training in “initial”, i.e. by paying the tuition fees from your pocket (via personal funds, family, employment or bank loan).
If the student has found a company but the deadline has passed, it is possible to request a postponement to the following school year (February or September of the following year).
Updated 2 August 2023