If your business is experiencing rapid growth, you’re likely considering hiring new talent. This raises the question of what type of contract to offer: a permanent contract (CDI), a fixed-term contract (CDD), a temporary assignment… Or why not a work-study program? In this article, learn about the requirements for hiring a work-study student, the benefits of doing so, the associated costs, and much more on this topic.

Work-Study Programs, Apprenticeship Contracts, and Professional Training Contracts: What Are the Differences?

Although apprenticeship and professional training contracts may seem quite similar at first glance, they do have some notable differences.

The apprenticeship contract allows the apprentice to pursue an initial training program leading to a degree. The duration can range from 1 to 3 years. Candidates must be between 16 and 29 years of age, but it is possible to request an exemption for the following profiles:

• minors under the age of 15;
• workers with disabilities;
• people starting or taking over a business that requires a degree or certification.

The training period must account for at least 25% of the total duration of the contract.

Compensation varies depending on the apprentice’s age and the number of years in the work-study program, ranging from 27% to 100% of the minimum wage (SMIC). Once the apprentice turns 21, he or she is eligible to receive the higher of either the percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC) or the percentage of the collective bargaining minimum wage applicable to his or her line of work.

The professional training contract is a continuing education program designed to lead to a qualification, intended for individuals aged 16 to 25, job seekers aged 26 and older, and recipients of minimum social benefits. This work-study contract is also open to candidates who have completed a CUI.

The training program consists of at least 150 hours, representing between 15% and 25% of the total duration of the contract. It may be spread over a period of 6 to 12 months, or up to 24 months, depending on the industry-wide collective agreement.

Compensation depends on the employee’s age and level of education, ranging from 55% to 100% of the minimum wage (SMIC), or 85% of the minimum wage under the collective bargaining agreement.

What are the requirements for hiring a work-study student?

To hire a work-study apprentice, you must be able to assign them a mentor —or an apprenticeship supervisor, depending on the type of contract—who will supervise them during their training. This is a mandatory requirement for hiring an apprentice and is strongly recommended for employees on a professional training contract.

The apprenticeship supervisor serves as the liaison between the CFA and the apprentice. Their role is to provide the apprentice with the skills necessary to perform their job. To do so, they must meet one of the following requirements:

• have at least three years of professional experience in a field related to the qualification covered by the diploma or degree;
• Hold a diploma or degree equivalent to the one the apprentice is pursuing and have at least two years of experience in a similar field.

The mentor, for their part, guides the employee during their training and participates in their evaluation. The employer may take on this role themselves or select a volunteer employee from within the company. The mentor must have at least two years of experience in a field related to the targeted qualification. They may serve as a mentor for up to three employees.

What are the benefits for an employer of hiring a work-study student?

Hiring through work-study programs allows companies to address a shortage of applicants for in-demand jobs, high employee turnover, or an increase in business volume.

The employer is not required to offer a job when the work-study contract ends, but it still represents a great opportunity to have skilled employees on permanent contracts who have been trained in-house, in order to achieve the company’s growth objectives.

Hiring a work-study student offers significant economic benefits, given that the costs are much higher when hiring a traditional employee. In addition, employers are eligible for various subsidies and tax exemptions, and work-study students are not counted when calculating a company’s headcount.

He can also receive support from OPCOs, which assist in setting up work-study programs, as well as from chambers of commerce and industry. These organizations are available to provide you with information and assist you with the recruitment and training processes.

Finally, among all the benefits of work-study recruitment, it is important to mention how straightforward the administrative procedures are. In fact, the Ministry of Employment has launched a website to facilitate the registration of contracts.

How do you hire a work-study student?

Hiring a work-study student involves several steps:

• Identify your company's needs;
• find the right training center;
• post the job opening;
• draft the contract.

It’s helpful to know that the best time to apply for a work-study program is from April to July. All you have to do now is follow each of the steps below.

1. Identify the company's needs

Before hiring a work-study student, consult your human resources department. This will allow you to determine exactly what your hiring options are, as well as the positions and skills the company needs in the short, medium, and long term.

2. Search for a training center

There are many training organizations that offer work-study programs, and they don’t all operate the same way. Find out about the class and work schedules at each institution so you can choose the one that best suits your company. For example, the schedule might involve one week of classes followed by one week of work, or three days of classes followed by three days of work.

3. Post the job opening

It should clearly explain the student’s responsibilities, working conditions, compensation, and the type of work-study contract. To attract candidates, highlight your values and be creative.

In fact, why not use social media as part of your recruitment process?

4. Draw up the work-study contract

The job interview has taken place, and you’ve selected a work-study student. All that’s left is to gather the training documents and then submit a funding application to the OPCO. The contract can be finalized online using CERFA forms. Feel free to ask the training center for help with this step.

How much does a work-study student cost a company?

Hiring a work-study student is less expensive than hiring a typical employee, especially since there are several forms of financial assistance available to companies. In the case of an apprenticeship contract, the employer is exempt from paying employee social security contributions on wages not exceeding 79% of the minimum wage. As mentioned earlier, the pay scale varies depending on the student’s age and the number of years in the work-study program. For professional training contracts, employer contributions are reduced on salaries not exceeding 1.6 times the minimum wage. The work-study student’s pay depends on their educational level and age. For both types of contracts, the cost of training is generally funded by the OPCO. The cost of on-the-job training is also covered by the company’s financial obligations toward vocational training.

In 2023, hiring an apprentice or a work-study student under the age of 30 on a professional training contract entitles the company to a one-time grant of 6,000 euros. The one-time apprenticeship grant applies to contracts leading to a diploma or certification at a level equal to or lower than the Baccalaureate. The amount is 4,125 euros in the first year, 2,000 euros in the second year, and 1,200 euros in the third year.

Under a professional training contract, the employer may receive:

• a 2,000-euro hiring subsidy for job seekers aged 26 and older;
• a grant of 2,000 euros, which can be combined with the previous one, for job seekers aged 45 and older;
• a grant to assist with signing a contract with a worker with a disability, of up to 5,000 euros.

Now that you know more about recruiting through work-study programs, why not start organizing your own recruitment campaign? Feel free to use social media for this purpose, since many young talents are sure to be found there. At Bonanza, we support you throughout the entire process so you can attract qualified candidates who meet your needs. Contact us!

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