Differences between apprenticeship and professionalisation

Before entering the workforce, it is recommended to increase the number of work experiences to complete the theoretical education by practice. There are many advantages: gaining experience and skills for a better CV, fewer orientation errors and the development of a professional network even before entering the labour market.

Apart from internships carried out for limited periods of time outside the semesters, it is possible to combine theoretical teaching and practical experience in a company at the same time thanks to work-study contracts. There are two types of contracts for this: apprenticeship and professionalization contracts.

What are the main differences between these two types of contract and how do you navigate them?

Definition of apprenticeship and professionalisation

In theory, apprenticeship and professionalisation have a common objective: to reconcile academic life and experience in a company through so-called "sandwich" training.

The aim of the apprenticeship contract is to train the student in a trade. At the end of the training, the apprentice is generally awarded a State diploma (in secondary or higher education): a master's degree, a licence, a CAP (Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle), a Bac pro, a university Bachelor of Technology or a DUT.

The aim of the professionalization contract is to direct the student towards a professional path. In particular, by integrating the student in physical presence in the different teams of an organisation. The aim is to immerse the student in the world of work and to teach him or her a specific trade.

This type of contract also leads to a state diploma (CAP, bac pro, BTS, professional license, etc.) but also to other certificates such as the certificate of professional qualification (CQP ) or a certificate specific to the collective agreement of the sector of the company in which it is performed.

The differences between apprenticeship and professionalisation

In practice, the contract criteria differ according to the type of training (initial or continuing) and the age of the student.

Moreover, the types of employment contracts are not the same, nor are their maximum permitted duration and remuneration. The student cannot therefore choose the regime under which he/she will be able to combine academic and professional life. 

Here are the criteria for both types of contracts (official public service source: entreprendre.service-public.fr):

How much can I expect to earn as an apprentice in France?

An apprentice's pay varies according to age and year of training. It corresponds to a share of the French minimum wage (SMIC). The amount of the gross monthly SMIC from 2022 is €1,603.12 based on the legal working time of 35 hours per week. 

What contract for the 12-month work-study program at Alegria.academy ?

After a solid base of knowledge of Nocode (tools, methodology, use cases) developed in 3 months with expert trainers of the sector, you will put your knowledge into practice in a company during 12 months. The Academy 's pedagogical team is in charge of finding you a host company that you will know as soon as you return to school! Our network of partner companies is large and diversified for enriching experiences adapted to each profile.

This part of the work-study program is called a "professionalization contract" and consists of a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months or a permanent contract. This option guarantees you the best chances of employment at the end of the training!
As far as formalities are concerned, you will not have to pay anything. For your information, the Cerfa document n° 12434*03 will bind you contractually to the employer.

For any request concerning our fully financed and paid Nocode training, do not hesitate to contact us at 01 89 16 90 97.

Whatever your background, we wish you a rewarding work-study programme for a fulfilling career!

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