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The school/business alliance: a winning strategy!

Connecting academic knowledge with the reality of the professional world has been one of INSEEC’s commitments for over 40 years. The work-study program is designed as a training tool and allows students to make the link between the lessons and their implementation. The alternating rhythm can be carried out under 2 types of contracts: the apprenticeship contract and the professionalization contract. The work-study program is only available to students in the3rd year Bachelor’s program, the 1st and 2nd year MSc programs and the 1st and 2nd year Master’s programs of the Grande Ecole program.

The rhythm of the work-study program varies from school to school and from campus to campus. Do not hesitate to contact the school of your choice for more information.

Organization chart for work-study application process

Apprenticeship contract VS professionalization contract :
What are the differences?

Apprenticeship contract

  • Type of employment contract: Fixed-term or permanent
  • Minimum duration: 6 months
  • Maximum duration: 36 months
  • Coverage: It is an annual flat rate, depending on the diploma code, varies between 7500 and 10 000 euros per year (in agreement with the OPCO)
  • Costs for the employer: salary + possible remaining costs of training
  • Salary: 3 indicators (age, year of contract and collective agreement of the company) =) Visit www.alternance.emploi.gouv.fr
  • Accessibility: Under 30 years old
  • Contract start date: Up to 3 months before the start of the training course (25% minimum training time in the contract) with the agreement of the OPCO
  • End of contract date: Up to 2 months after the end of the training course (in compliance with the 25% minimum training time in the contract) with the agreement of the CFA
  • Mediator: Yes

Professionalization contract

  • Type of employment contract: Fixed-term or permanent
  • Minimumduration: 12 months
  • Maximum duration: 24 months
  • Coverage: It is hourly, depending on the OPCO, varies between 9.15€/h and 17€/h on average
  • Costs for the employer: salary + possible remaining costs of training
  • Salary: 2 indicators (age and collective agreement of the company) =) Visit www.alternance.emploi.gouv.fr
  • Accessibility: 16-25 years old and + 26 years old if registered at the job center
  • Contract start date: Up to 1 month before the start of the training course (15% minimum training time in the contract)
  • End of contract date: Up to 1 month after the end of the training course (15% minimum training time in the contract)
  • Mediator: No
Recruitment of INSEEC students during a job dating

What is the OPCO?

  • OPCO = Opérateur de Compétences
  • There are 11 in France.
  • Each company has an OPCO if it has made its mandatory payment.
  • Which OPCO is responsible? Please look up a company’s CCID or ask the accountant.
  • The company can be assisted by its OPCO training advisor.
  • The OPCO covers part (sometimes all) of the training costs.
  • Coverage depends on many parameters (type of contract, duration, sector of activity, etc.).
  • To find your OPCO, go to www.cfadock.fr

Apprenticeship contract VS professionalization contract :

positive and negative points

Apprenticeship contract

+ Exemption from social security charges for employees earning less than 79 of the minimum wage

+ Having a longer contract, being able to start it before the start of the course or continue it after the end of the course to challenge the student

+ To be able to call upon a mediator free of charge in the event of a complicated situation (conflict, financial problem…)

+ Being able to influence the salary to be paid (it is possible to pay a higher salary than the legal minimum)

+ Better coverage of training courses by the OPCOs (sometimes total)

+ Coverage depends on the duration of the contract and not on the number of hours of training

+ An exceptional aid of 8,000 euros paid by the State for companies with less than 250 employees

Impossible to recruit an apprentice over 29 years old

+ Financial support during 6 months by the OPCO in case of breach of contract

Professionalization contract

+ Higher legal minimum wage than an apprenticeship

Little flexibility on start and end dates (1 month)

No mediator in case of complicated situation (conflict, financial problem…)

+ To be able to recruit more experienced profiles

+ Recruitment of profiles over 30 years old is possible provided that you are registered as a job seeker

+ Being able to influence the salary to be paid (it is possible to pay a higher salary than the legal minimum)

Little exemption from payroll taxes

A charge per hour, which varies between 9 and 15 euros per hour

+ An exceptional aid of 8,000 euros paid by the State for companies with less than 250 employees

No support from the OPCO in case of breach of contract

The Corporate Relations Department, a team dedicated to your professional future

Throughout their studies, students on work-study programmes are supported by the Corporate Relations Department.

This is the service that accompanies you in your research and in the setting up of your contract. This service offers group and/or individual support and follow-up to all students who are looking for a professionalization or apprenticeship contract.

The Corporate Relations Department, a consulting unit, provides you with various tools:

  • CV and cover letter coaching & interview preparation and simulation.
  • Posting of work-study offers from our partners on the Corporate Relations Facebook page and on the corporate portal.
  • Organization of company forums throughout the year (job dating).
  • Job dating exclusively dedicated to a company coming to meet students.

Would you like to know more about our coaching? It’s happening here.

Coaching of INSEEC students to improve their CV and cover letter
Updated 23 January 2024