The French government has decided to extend the apprenticeship scheme for a further 6 months, providing young people with new opportunities for work-study recruitment. Companies will receive 5,000 euros for minors and 8,000 euros for adults under this scheme.
Over 500,000 apprenticeship and work-study contracts signed
"The results are in" when it comes to professional integration, stressed Jean Castex during a speech at the Global Industrie trade show in Lyon. Indeed, an all-time record has been set, with more than 500,000 apprenticeship or work-study contracts signed in 2020, up 42% on 2019, according to DARES data. Most of these contracts were signed in the private sector, with only 15,300 in the public sector in 2020.
This year has got off to a strong start, with 65,000 contracts signed across all sectors in the first 6 months of the year, compared with 20,000 in 2020 and 16,000 in 2019. In the first half of the year, these contracts more than tripled. This is due in particular to the prospect of reduced subsidies, which has encouraged companies to step up the pace.
A system deemed effective for professional integration
"2.6 million young people have so far benefited directly from France Relance aid for employment, integration or training," says the Prime Minister.
Joël Fourny, President of CMA France, the national network of Chambers of Trades and Crafts, believes that the extension of aid announced by the government on September 6 is "very good news for apprenticeships and the craft industry as a whole". It also notes "an increase of +8% at the end of August compared with the same period last year" in the number of apprentices.
It has to be said that the scheme provides incentives, with the bonus offered as part of the One Young Person, One Solution plan amounting to 5,000 euros for a minor and 8,000 euros for an adult for the first year, provided the company meets a number of conditions. The bonus covers the full salary of an apprentice under the age of 21, and 80% of the salary of an apprentice aged between 21 and 25.
Apprenticeships are a real springboard to the world of work. Six months after leaving an apprentice training center (CFA), nearly seven out of ten apprentices find a job. By the time they reach the bac pro level, 80% of apprentices have found a job. In BTS, this figure rises to 90%. Still undervalued a few years ago, apprenticeship is now considered a path to excellence.
The extension of apprenticeship subsidies, which companies have been calling for, will come at a cost. This year, these bonuses will cost the State over 2.5 billion euros.